Mackay murder probe: CCTV released of Mackay man John Patrick Hackett

Police believe a Queensland man at the centre of a homicide probe suffered facial injuries in an attack on Melbourne Cup Day, two days prior to the last time he was confirmed alive. VIDEOS

Police believe a Mackay man at the centre of a homicide probe may have been attacked on Melbourne Cup Day, two days prior to the last time he was confirmed alive.

John Patrick Hackett was found dead inside his Gold St unit about 7.18pm on Saturday, November 9 following a welfare check by his family who had been unable to make contact with him for several days.

Police declared a crime scene and have since started a homicide investigation after receiving extra information including results from a post mortem examination indicating evidence of an assault on the 67 year old.

Detective Acting Superintendent Emma Novosel said police had indication John sustained facial injuries on Tuesday, November 5 in the form of bruising.

“We believe in the afternoon of Tuesday, November 5 that there was some sort of altercation between John and another person,” Ms Novosel said.

“Whether that be at the food store or in the area of Gold St.”

Criminal Investigation Branch detectives are calling from anyone on Gold St or in the area who may have seen any interaction or altercation between Mr Hackett and another person on the afternoon or evening of Tuesday November 5 to come forward.

Detectives have released CCTV following the suspicious death of a 67-year-old Mackay man John Patrick Hackett.

On Thursday, detectives have released CCTV footage from the Foodworks near Mr Hackett’s address on Gold St, which he visited on November 5.

Ms Novosel said police believed Mr Hackett sustained his injuries sometime between when the footage was taken and Wednesday morning, November 6.

She said there was no indication of a weapon being used but could not rule it out.

Mr Hackett was found by his family at his Gold St address on November 9. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mr Hackett had lived alone at the Gold Street address for a number of years.

Any person or vehicle travelling in Gold Street in Mackay between 5pm and 7pm on November 5 who may have witnessed the man or has dashcam footage is urged to come forward.

This latest appeal for information comes after Mr Hackett’s family pleaded for help from the public.

Stephen Hackett, John’s brother, said the death was devastating for the family.

The retired agronomist, volunteered his time with the Salvation Army and was heavily involved with his family and the Mackay Lions soccer club.

“If there is anyone who has seen anything at all we urge you to please come forward with any information no matter how little, how small,” Mr Hackett said.