Second man charged with murder after body in a ditch near Gympie

Police have charged a man with murder after a body was found down an embankment near Gympie earlier this month. The wanted man was found more than 750km away in Mackay.

Police have charged a second man with murder after a body was found down an embankment near Gympie earlier this month. 

Plantation Island man Daniel Baumgart, 38, was nabbed in a dramatic arrest just before 3pm Sunday after police spotted him at the Mackay Harbour - more than 750km north of where the body of Crestmead man Michael Hartley, 43, was found earlier this month.

The 38-year-old man was taken to Mackay Watchhouse and has now been charged with one count each of murder, assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed and wilful damage.

He is expected to appear at Mackay Magistrates Court today.

Maryborough's Daniel Baumgart, 36, has been arrested in Mackay over the alleged murder of Michael Hartley near Gympie. Picture: Melanie Whiting

Police had last week said Mr Baumgart was wanted for questioning over the alleged murder of 43-year-old Mr Hartley.

Mr Hartley was found dead down an embankment at Ross Creek, east of Gympie, after allegedly being assaulted at a home in John Street, Maryborough on November 1.

Michael Hartley was found deceased in a ditch on a Gympie property on November 1.

Hartley, who was released from prison on parole a fortnight earlier, had been living with his sister Sandy Hartley and her young family in Logan for the two weeks before his body was found.

Police arrest a man at Mackay Harbour who is wanted over a Maryborough murder. Picture: Melanie Whiting

Five police crews swarmed Mackay Harbour near the boat ramp Sunday afternoon, where Mr Baumgart was found.

He was on foot and police allege he attempted to run away from officers before he was arrested. 

Police at the scene of the arrest in Mackay Harbour this afternoon. Picture: Melanie Whiting

Police had issued a warrant for his arrest, saying Mr Baumgart was considered dangerous and warned the public against approaching him.

Police say 38-year-old Daniel Baumgart has been arrested but not been charged over the death of a 43-year-old Crestmead man at Ross Creek on Sunday.

Anyone with information about the Maryborough altercation is urged to come forward and phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.

Originally published as Second man charged with murder after body in a ditch near Gympie