Child raises alarm before married couple found dead
Savannah Meacham |
A nine-year-old girl has raised the alarm before a married couple were found dead with gunshot wounds inside a home, police say.
The child alerted a family member who called police, with officers later discovering the “traumatising” scene in far north Queensland.
“I have not previously been exposed to anything like this before,” Detective Acting Inspector Alina Bell told reporters in Cairns on Wednesday.
Police responded to a welfare check and arrived at the Mount Sheridan home in Cairns about 7.15pm on Tuesday.
They found a husband and wife – both aged 41 – dead in different rooms inside the home with gunshot wounds.
“We do not believe she was present or witnessed any of the incident that occurred,” Det Bell said of the girl.
“However that still doesn’t take away from how traumatising that will be for that child and the family members and friends moving forward.”
The child had been “alerted to the incident occurring” before reaching out to family members and neighbours, police said.
“That triple zero call occurred as a result of another family member calling us,” Det Bell said.
The married couple did not have a domestic violence or mental health history and were not known to police, she said.
“It’s always possible that things go on behind closed doors that family, friends and police are not aware of,” Det Bell said.
“But our investigations have indicated to date that there is no indication that there was any domestic violence within that relationship.”
Multiple firearms were located in the home, all registered to the husband.
The child is currently in the care of family members who are being given ongoing support.
“This is not only a tragic occurrence for friends and family it also significantly impacts on the whole of the community,” Det Bell said.
“If you are suffering or know anyone who is suffering please call Lifeline.”
Police have launched an investigation into why the “tragic” incident occurred and to provide answers to family members.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact police.
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
AAP
