A 23-year-old pregnant woman and a 45-year-old man have been found dead in a home in rural Charleville, Queensland, after a police siege. Police discovered the bodies inside the property on King Street early on Thursday morning following a suspected murder-suicide.
A young child inside the home was found with a minor leg laceration. Emergency services took the child to Charleville Hospital in a stable condition.
Emergency services were first called to the property on Wednesday evening following reports of a serious assault. As the situation unfolded, police locked down several streets around the home from 5.59pm and ordered residents to stay inside while specialist officers tried to negotiate with a man believed to be armed.
The lockdown remained in place for about seven hours before officers lifted it at 1.42am. Specialist officers entered the property just before 6.30am on Thursday and found the man and woman dead.
Queensland Police said no officers or members of the public were injured during the incident. A union spokesperson said, "No police were injured and operational details will be released by the QPS however incidents like this can have a lasting impact on those who attend them."
Investigation and local response
The deaths are being investigated, with a report to be prepared for the coroner. Police are expected to provide more information in a press conference on Thursday morning.
Murweh Mayor Shaun Radnedge said the Charleville community has been devastated by the incident. "On behalf of Murweh Shire Council, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the two people who have lost their lives," Radnedge said.
"This is a heartbreaking day for Charleville and for the wider Murweh community," Radnedge said. "We are a close-knit town, and an incident of this nature is felt deeply by many people."
Radnedge added that the little baby survived the incident. "The little baby has survived. I don't know how or don't know why, but it's there," he said.
Radnedge said the council will organise support for the community in the days ahead. "Charleville is strong because its people look out for one another," he said. "In the coming days, I ask everyone to show compassion, avoid speculation and give those directly impacted the privacy and respect they need at this incredibly difficult time."
Support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
