Detectives suspect a toddler may be the only survivor of an apparent murder-suicide that brought a seven-hour police siege to a tragic end in a remote Queensland town.
The bodies of pregnant 23-year-old Julia Brunsdon and 45-year-old Michael Waltke were discovered inside a Charleville home, about 800km west of Brisbane, in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Police and emergency crews were called to the King St property on Wednesday evening following reports of a serious assault.
As officers arrived, the situation escalated into a siege, with police spotting a young child at the foot of the front stairs of the house.
Assistant Queensland Police Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl said one officer showed extraordinary bravery by moving in to rescue the toddler from danger.
‘(Officers) were confronted with what was clearly quite a violent crime scene,’ Asst Comm Vanderbyl said.
‘There were suggestions of further weapons being involved and as a result of that they had to tactically withdraw for their own safety.
‘But as they did, a young child was located at the front stairs of the residence and police put themselves back into harm’s way to remove the child from the premises.
Julia Brunsdon, 23, has died in a suspected murder-suicide in rural Queensland overnight
Emergency services were first called to the King St property on Wednesday evening after reports of a serious assault
The body of Michael Waltke, 45, was also found inside the home in Charleville
‘It’s quite clear the child may have well witnessed a tragic set of events.’
The Daily Mail understands the toddler was found with a minor leg cut and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
‘The young person is safe,’ Asst Commissioner Vanderbyl added. ‘I understand it was a toddler who was able to walk, only just of walking age.’
The senior policeman said officers were confronted with a ‘terrible’ scene when they arrived after 5pm.
‘The situation became quite dynamic and quite threatening to police quite quickly and they withdrew to a point of safety,’ he said.
‘Negotiators were engaged at that point and then specialist police were activated from Brisbane.’
As the situation unfolded, police locked down several streets around the home from 5.59pm, ordering residents to stay inside while specialist officers tried to negotiate with a man they believed was armed.
Asst Commissioner Vanderbyl said it was a ‘very complex’ investigation and he was unable to share any further details on the dead pair’s relationship.
The lockdown remained in place for about seven hours before it was lifted at 1.42am.
Residents in nearby streets were put under a seven-hour lockdown as officers tried to detain a man who they suspected may be armed
Southern Region Asst Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl said police were confronted with a ‘terrible’ scene
Their neighbour Veronica Hickson, who has lived on King Street for many years, said she was shocked to hear what happened.
‘It is a little bit frightening, when it happened nearly across the road from where you’re living,’ she told the Courier Mail.
‘They were a very quiet couple, you’d see them working in their yard.’
No officers or members of the public were injured during the incident.
Murweh Mayor Shaun Radnedge told the Daily Mail 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,’ Mr Radnedge said.
‘This is a heartbreaking day for Charleville and for the wider Murweh community. We are a close-knit town, and an incident of this nature is felt deeply by many people.
‘The little baby has survived. I don’t know how or don’t know why, but it’s there.’
Mr Radnedge said the council will organise support for the community for 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.’
Asst Commissioner Vanderbyl echoed the Mayor’s comments.
‘These types of events affect communities badly, let alone small communities,’ he said.
‘It will be something that will have a tragic impact on the wider community of Charleville and the police, friends and relatives of the deceased, who our thoughts remain with today.’
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
