Man charged with two counts of murder after the bodies of his wife and baby were found in their Rockhampton home. Image credit: Tayla Cox via Facebook.
A man has been charged with two counts of murder after the bodies of his wife and baby were found in their Rockhampton home.
Queensland Police were called to a property in Park Avenue on Thursday morning, after a man is reported to have attended a police station in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley to report that two people were dead at the address.
Police confirmed that they located the bodies of a 30-year-old woman and an 11-week-old baby girl inside the residence.
They have been identified as Tayla Cox and daughter, Murphy.
It was described as a “very difficult and confronting scene” for police and emergency service personnel.
Police believe that the woman and child had died two days prior — before the man flew to Brisbane that same evening.
Matthew Cox, 31, was subsequently charged with two counts of murder (domestic violence offence).
Earlier in the day, Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow told reporters that Cox was assisting police with their investigations.
“[He] is the only person we are looking for in this incident,” he said.
Shadlow confirmed that Tayla Cox’s family had been notified.
“As you would expect they are devastated.”
Police said the couple had no known history of domestic violence in their relationship.
Matthew Cox’s parents released a statement that said, “We have lost a beautiful daughter-in-law Tayla but also our much loved granddaughter Murphy.
“At this stage we have very few other details and are in an absolute state of shock.”
Investigations are ongoing with officers and forensic investigators to remain at the scene for days.
The accused is expected to face the Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
Police are urging anyone with additional information to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
