Husband charged with murder after mum, bub found dead

A man accused of brutally killing his wife and newborn baby girl in a Rockhampton home was previously an inpatient for mental health treatment, the Health Minister says. SPECIAL VIDEO TRIBUTES

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has said alleged DV murderer Matthew James Cox was treated as an inpatient for mental health issues at Rockhampton Hospital about a year ago.

The man, who was charged with murder after the bodies of a young mum and her newborn baby were found inside their Rockhampton home, had his case mentioned in a Brisbane court today.

Cox’s wife Tayla, 30, and baby Murphy Margaret were discovered dead at their Bean St, Park Avenue, residence just before 11am on Thursday, although police believe the duo were killed two days earlier.

The Health Minister was asked whether she was aware if Cox had sought mental health treatment.

She said she had been advised there hadn’t been “any recent treatment” by the Rockhampton Hospital.

“I understand about a year ago he did seek treatment from the Rockhampton Hospital,” she said.

Asked whether that treatment was given, Ms Fentiman said “yes, absolutely. He was an inpatient there”.

Matt and Tayla Black with their baby daughter, Murphy Margaret.

Ms Fentiman said news of the deaths of mum Tayla and baby Murphy was “incredibly distressing and saddening”.

“This individual has been charged with murder, there will obviously be a criminal justice process and then a coronial investigation,” she said.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with the family of Tayla and Murphy.”

Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow said Cox had flown out of Rockhampton on Tuesday evening before attending Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley police station about 10.50am on Thursday, prompting police to organise a welfare check on his wife and daughter.

Rockhampton police then made the grim discovery, describing the scene as “confronting”.

Cox has since been charged with two counts of murder (domestic violence offences).

Police confirmed there was no previous history of domestic violence in the relationship.

Forensic officers at the scene of the alleged murder on Bean St, Park Avenue on Friday August 11.

 

 

 

Cox’s two domestic violence murder charges were mentioned briefly in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.

He did not appear and there was no application for bail which can’t be granted for murder in the magistrates court.

A mother and child have been found deceased inside a Rockhampton home.

The crime scene is expected to be under investigation for a number of days.

“They (investigators) will be on scene for some time examining the scene and our investigations will be ongoing,” Supt Shadlow said.

Forensic officers at the scene of the alleged murder on Bean St, Park Avenue on Friday August 11.

“It was a quite confronting scene … two deceased people to start with, a deceased infant child is always confronting.”

The vehicle Mr Cox drove to the Rockhampton Airport remains at the airport and was seized on Thursday as part of the investigation.

Matthew and Tayla Black before the birth of their daughter.

Tayla Black, grew up in Rockhampton and was a repair co-ordinator at Campbell Construction Co at the Berserker office. She went to St Ursula’s College at Yeppoon.

Mr and Mrs Cox had lived in Victoria but bought the Park Avenue home in November 2022 after relocating back to the area when Mr Cox secured a job working at a local radio station.

In a statement, the parents of Matthew Cox told this publication that they are devastated by the news.

“We have lost a beautiful daughter-in-law Tayla but also our much loved granddaughter Murphy,” Denis Cox and Linda Lind wrote.

“At this stage we have very few other details and are in an absolute state of shock.

“We ask that the media respect our privacy while we grieve and try and process what has occurred.”

Brittnee Gardiner. Picture: Aden Stokes

Neighbours have been left shocked by the incident, with Brittnee Gardiner describing the household as a “generic, lovely family”.

Police said earlier reports of gunshots being heard in the area around the time of the incident were unfounded.

According to court documents, Melbourne-born Cox worked in television advertising.

Acting Magistrate Sue Ganasan remanded Cox in custody and adjourned the matter to August 21 when he must appear by video link.

*Tayla will be remembered by her maiden name of Black at the request of her family.