Last night, tragedy struck in South Mackay with a devastating homicide that claimed the life of a 34-year-old woman and left a 66-year-old man seriously injured. Emergency services were called to the scene at 4.36pm where the incident unfolded at Robb Place.
Initially, the area was placed under an emergency declaration as police launched a comprehensive search for the alleged perpetrator and residents were urged to remain indoors while the operation was underway.
The boundaries under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) included Robb Place, Paradise Street, Archibald Street, Kindermar Street and Denton Street.
Investigations revealed that the 31-year-old assailant who was reportedly armed with a firearm approached a woman who was seated in a vehicle outside her residence. The attack was said to be unprovoked and with no prior connection between the suspect and the victim.
Police authorities confirmed that “It is understood the pair were not known to each other, however resided on the same street.”
Paramedics arrived to find the woman with critical head and chest wounds, sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.
Devastatingly, two children were also in the vehicle at the time, but they managed to escape unharmed, fleeing on foot from the scene.
Shortly after, another victim, a man in his 60s was also shot after trying to intervene. He sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his sternum and hand and was transported to Mackay Hospital under the care of Critical Care Paramedics.
The suspect fled the area and police later tracked the Mitsubishi Triton to a service station along the Bruce Highway near Hilton Street, where the 31-year-old man was taken into custody without incident.
The emergency declaration was lifted later in the evening as police assured the public that there was no ongoing threat.
The 31-year-old man has since been charged with murder and attempted murder and is scheduled to appear before the Mackay Magistrates Court today, on June 20.
This tragic incident has shaken the community to its core, leaving residents deeply devastated by the senseless act of violence. Many express disbelief that such a tragedy could occur in their hometown, likening it to something out of a movie rather than reality.
Our sincere condolences go out to all who were affected by this tragedy.
Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service
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