I Thought the House Had Been Abandoned… A Local Resident Has Revealed Chilling Details Surrounding the D3:aths of the 45-Year-Old Man and the 23-Year-Old Woman Inside the Charleville Home
A toddler was taken to safety from the scene of a suspected murder-suicide after a police officer broke cover during a siege in a remote Queensland town.
Police were involved in an hours-long standoff at a home in Charleville in the state’s south-west on Wednesday evening, with the surrounding area being locked down.
Julia Brunsdon (left) and Michael Waltke (right) were found in the property. Supplied
A man and a woman have been found dead in a house after an hours-long lockdown in Charleville, Queensland. Nine
The lockdown notice was lifted at 1.42 am on Thursday, and police later confirmed they had found the bodies of 45-year-old Michael Waltke and 23-year-old Julia Brunsdon.
No police and no other members of the community were injured.
Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl told Today that a toddler has been taken from the house uninjured, and that police had bravely put themselves in danger to save the 18-month-old girl.
He said the girl had come into view shortly after police had initially withdrawn from the house due to threats of a firearm being used against them.
“Just shortly after they have withdrawn, I’m advised that a toddler, a 18-month [old] little girl had walked out towards the front door, was clearly in distress,” he said on Friday.
Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl said it was heartbreaking for the toddler to go through something like that. Today
“One of our police broke from cover, as I understand it, to rescue that little girl and bring her to safety.”
The toddler was taken to hospital, but it has been confirmed she did not suffer any major injuries.
“I’m pleased to say she is safe and well, other than a minor scratch to her body, she is okay,” Vanderbyl said, however he was aware of the trauma the tragic incident would have on the girl.
“Your heart does go out to that little girl, her life has changed in an instant, forever, as have the lives of many others from these tragic, tragic events,” he said.
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Vanderbyl confirmed the Queensland Police’s child safety department was working with her family to ensure the toddler will have safe long-term accommodation.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Vanderbyl would not be drawn on whether the situation was domestic violence related but said that would form part of the investigation.
He confirmed police had encountered what was “clearly quite a violent crime scene” on arrival at the premises.
“There were suggestions of further weapons being involved,” he said.
He said he understood police felt there was a genuine threat to their own lives.
Police undertook a tactical withdrawal to a safe distance, but Vanderbyl said that was when officers noticed the small child at the front of the property.
“Police actually put themselves back into, what I consider to be harm’s way, to remove that child from the premises,” Vanderbyl said.
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He said the child may have witnessed “a tragic set of events”.
Police were forced to retreat and negotiators called in as the stand-off unfolded. Nine
The matter will be investigated by the Ethical Standards Command, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Specialist police are on the way to Charleville from Brisbane more than 700km away, and Vanderbyl said more information about the crime scene would be forthcoming.
Murweh Shire Council mayor Shaun Radnedge said in a statement it was a “heartbreaking day” for the Charleville community.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of our councillors and staff, are with the families, friends, and everyone affected by the deaths of a man and a woman at a Charleville residence overnight,” he said.
“Based on the information to date, I want to reassure our community that there is no ongoing risk to the public.”
Police had earlier declared a public safety zone around the area. Qld Police
He thanked police and emergency services personnel for their dedication to community safety.
“This tragedy will be deeply felt across our small community,” Radnedge said.
“I know many people will be struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
“As a community, we really need to band together, not just now, but over the next few days, and keep that support coming, especially for that little toddler in our community.”
He urged people to reach out to family, friends, or support services.
The news is a shock to a small community of about 3500.
“I drive past that house every day, I actually thought the house was vacant, one resident said.
SOURCE: 9 NEWS
https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/qld/two-bodies-found-in-rural-queensland-home-after-hours-long-stand-off-20260806-p60lu7.html
