Bodies found at Pimpama home

UPDATE: The woman killed by her estranged husband, who had been bailed on domestic violence charges, in a murder-suicide was “scared something like this was going to happen” according to a friend.

• Wife killer was freed after DV charges
• Children alerted neighbours to dead bodies
• Protesters demand answers after murder-suicide

A MAN who murdered his estranged wife in front of their children before killing himself was freed on bail on serious domestic violence charges two weeks ago.

David Bradford, 52, is believed to have broken into his 40-year-old wife Teresa’s home early at Pimpama, on the Gold Coast’s northside, this morning and stabbed her to death before taking his own life.

Three young children at the Matas Dr house ran to neighbours to raise the alarm.

Bradford had been in custody after being charged with a string of violent offences against Ms Bradford on November 28 last year.

David Bradford.

Teresa Bradford.

He was charged with four domestic violence offences including choking, assault occasioning bodily harm, deprivation of liberty and common assault.

He was to have faced a committal hearing in March, charged with domestic violence-related common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm, choking or strangulation, and deprivation of liberty.

But on January 12 he was released on bail in the Southport Domestic Violence Court.

His bail conditions required him to live at a Brisbane CBD hotel, report to police and not go within 100m of Ms Bradford except for court appearances.

A Police officer places flowers brought over by a neighbour outside the home. Picture: AAP/Dan Peled

Friends of Teresa have expressed their grief over the tragedy.

“The mother has been trying to get help because of the husband,” said one friend.

“She had nothing for her kids, no school things, so we had been helping to raise money for books and everything they needed.

“The only thing the mother wanted was for her husband not to find them.

“Well he did and this has now happened. Rest in peace to a beautiful lady and I hope someone looks after those kids.”

Friend Debra Napper said Teresa had been desperately trying to move out of the Matas Drv rental home to escape her estranged husband.

“She was scared something like this would happen, especially after he attacked her last year,” she said.

“Her and Dave were together a long time, they had four kids together

and moved here from Sydney.

“Last year he started having strokes and medical problems and turned on her.

“We were all trying to help her move, I’m angry that there wasn’t enough help for her and the court orders meant nothing.”

Ms Napper said she had never seen Mr Bradford be physically violent towards the children, but he did verbally abuse them.

The children range in age from nine to 17 and are believed to be with Teresa’s family.

Police had attended the scene after 6.30am today following reports of a “disturbance”.

Police outside the Pimpama house. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Earlier today Detective Inspector Mark Thompson said the children were helping with the investigation.

“There were children present in the home and they are still assisting police with their enquiries.”

Neighbours have said there was a large police presence at the home earlier this month but said they didn’t hear anything this morning before the discovery.

Teresa was killed at her Pimpama home.

A police scenes of crimes officer brings a cat out of the residence. Picture: Tim Marsden

“We didn’t hear anything or see anything,” one neighbour said.

“A little bit scary ... it’s very quiet. There’s nothing really ever happening, there’s no commotions, so this is a pretty crazy thing to have happened.”

Officers were called after reports of a disturbance. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Detective Inspector Thompson told the media this morning that investigations were ongoing but police do not believe a third person was involved in the deaths.

“Any death of this nature is treated as suspicious,” said Det Insp Thompson.

Police forensic officers inspect the property after two bodies were found. Picture: AAP/Dan Peled