Police have found the bodies of a 45-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman inside a home in Charleville, rural Queensland, after responding to reports of a serious assault. A toddler was rescued from the property by officers, who initially withdrew due to a violent scene.
Police rescue toddler amid violent scene
Officers arrived at the property about 6pm on Wednesday to find a “violent and confronting scene,” with further weapons reported inside. Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbilt said police made the decision to tactically withdraw for their own safety, but as they did, they spotted a toddler on the front stairs.
“They put themselves back into harms way to go back and grab the child before again retreating,” Vanderbilt said. The toddler was taken to a local hospital unharmed and is now in the care of authorities.
Eight-hour lockdown and investigation
A Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) was declared, locking down the outback town for eight hours. Specialist teams from Brisbane were called in to assist. The PSPA was revoked about 1.42am on Thursday when police found the bodies.
Police have not formally identified the pair, and the exact cause of death is unconfirmed. Detectives are investigating whether the incident was a possible murder-suicide. There are unconfirmed reports the woman may have been pregnant.
Community impact
“This is a very complex scene,” Vanderbilt said. “When there are children involved it just amplifies that trauma even further.” He noted the child may have witnessed “what has been a tragic set of events.”
“Charleville is a small tight knit community...it will be something that has a tragic impact on the wider community,” he added. The matter will be investigated by the Ethical Standards Command, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
