Court: Portmoresbey (Bj) Cecil charged with murder of Rockhampton woman Sue Duffy in West Street, Allenstown

Police will spend the coming days combing through three crime scenes across Rockhampton in the wake of the alleged murder of a 71-year-old woman on Sunday afternoon. The man charged over her death has faced court for the first time.

Police officers will spend the coming days combing through three areas designated as crime scenes across Rockhampton in the wake of an alleged murder in Allenstown on Sunday afternoon (August 21).

Police received a triple-0 call from a distraught family member about 3.50pm, to attend a West Street, Allenstown residence, just a few doors up from the Red Lion Hotel.

At this address, police found the body of a 71-year-old woman, an owner of the property, with “substantial injuries”, and a crime scene was established.

The nature of the injuries could not be disclosed however it is understood a “bladed instrument” was used in the alleged murder.

Police have confirmed the man charged with the woman’s murder, Portmoresbey (Bj) Cecil, 35, drove himself to the Rockhampton Police Station in Bolsover Street and presented himself to the front counter.

Mr Cecil, originally of New Zealand, was taken into custody and charged with one count of murder (domestic violence offence).

He appeared in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Monday morning and was held in custody with his matters adjourned until November 16.

Capricornia Crime Group Detective Acting Inspector Luke Peachey said there were three active crime scenes that police would be combing through.

“I can confirm that after the incident occurred it appears he has driven himself to this address (Rockhampton Police Station),” Detective Peachey alleged.

“We have three active crime scenes from the investigation.

“We have a few gaps at the moment.

“We will try to piece together in the upcoming days how this tragic event has occurred.”

One crime scene is in West Street, the second is Mr Cecil’s vehicle parked in Bolsover Street and a third has been declared at a Philp Street, Frenchville address.

At least nine police vehicles, six marked and three unmarked, along with two ambulances attended the initial crime scene at the West Street home shortly after the alleged murder was called in.

A homicide investigation was declared and Operation Uniform Acca was launched to investigate the circumstances of the death.

Groups of police officers and plain clothes detectives inspected the outdoor perimeter of the home, looking carefully at debris on the road and underneath cars.

Police at the scene of an alleged homicide in West Street, Allenstown, on August 21, 2022. Police were called at about 3:50pm to the residence where the body of a woman was located inside the property. A crime scene has been declared to investigate the death, which is being treated as suspicious.?A 35-year-old man is currently speaking with police.

Police tape was strung up across the roads around the residence, blocking the Oxford Street roadway. It remained in place on Monday afternoon.

Forensic officers worked into the night inside the property, taking photographs and gathering evidence, while police officers doorknocked and gathered statements from neighbours.

The crime scene was preserved overnight and more police officers returned on Monday morning to continue their investigations.

The body has been removed from the property, and will be sent for an autopsy.

Forensic Services officers were also photographing and inspecting the SsangYong utility Cecil left parked across the road from the police station late on Sunday afternoon.

Detective Peachey passed on his condolences and said it was a tragic event for everyone involved.

“Not a nice scene for the family or the emergency services who responded,” he said.

“The loss of a life is tragic for all those involved.

“What happens in the courts process is up to the courts but it obviously carries a life sentence.

“For a 71 year old woman to meet an end like that …. It’s not good for anyone.”