Caloundra West murder-suicide victims identified, more details emerge

The identity of a man and woman found dead at a Caloundra West home in what’s being treated as a murder-suicide has been confirmed as more details emerge of the horror scene.

The identities of two people who died in a suspected murder-suicide pact at a Caloundra West home have been confirmed.

Police confirmed the pair found dead in a Teal St home on Monday evening were Sunshine Coast woman Sonja Kovacevic, 48, and Browns Plains man Barry Houston, 52.

It was understood the pair were found by police with gunshot wounds from a high-powered rifle during a welfare check at the property about 6.30pm Monday.

Early investigations revealed the woman made a call to police shortly before the incident in what appeared to be a carefully planned pact, advising officers of her intention to end her life.

Man and woman found dead with gunshot wounds on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: 7News

It was understood the pair had met online, connecting via social media and had met up with the intention of ending their lives.

Detective Acting Inspector John Mahony on Tuesday said police were continuing to examine the pair’s digital devices to determine how long they had been in contact as part of their investigation into what was being treated as a murder-suicide.

“Investigations thus far suggest the 52-year-old male person has ended the life of the 48-year-old woman and then a very short time later has ended his own life,” Inspector Mahony said.

Senior investigators described the scene as one of the most bizarre they’d seen in 30 years, describing the meticulous planning the pair had undertaken as “clinical”, including packing items in boxes before the tragedy which took place in the backyard.

The Teal St scene of Monday nights’ tragedy. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Ms Kovacevic was understood to have been known to police but not through criminality.

It was understood Ms Kovacevic had been involved in some family court matters at the time of her death.

Nearby neighbours and residents in surround streets on Tuesday said they’d seen Ms Kovacevic walking around looking “despondent” with a blank face and slumped shoulders in recent weeks.

One resident said she’d prayed for Ms Kovacevic after seeing her recently and said she hoped she was “in a better place now”.

The resident said her heart went out to Ms Kovacevic’s family and friends following the tragedy.

Other neighbours spoke of their shock at the incident which had taken place in what was described as a sleepy suburb.

Residents had reported hearing a loud bang on Monday evening but many were unsure what the noise had been with many shocked to learn it had been gunshots.

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