Faces of 18 in Queensland allegedly murdered in 2023
Queensland police statistics show serious crime is falling, but the chilling stories of 18 people still made headlines in 2023 when they were killed in what police describe as senseless acts. These are the horror stories of the state’s lost lives last year.
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Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following article contains the name of a person who is now deceased.
Youth crime dominated Queensland headlines in 2023 but despite those challenges, the latest police data reveals a slight decline in the number of murders across the state.
In Janurary, the Queensland Police Service said homicide remained a relatively uncommon offence in the Sunshine State, and backed up its claim with crime statistics for the past year.
In 2023, the state’s police recorded 44 homicides, a modest 4.35 per cent decrease from the previous year’s count of 46.
But despite the downward trend, the Sunshine State was still recording homicide offence rates higher than News South Wales and Victoria.
Only South Australia and Northern Territory outstripped Queensland’s homicide rate, which stood at 0.98 per 100,000, when recorded from October 2022 to October 2023.
South Australia’s homicide rate stands at 1.3 per 100,000 for 2023.
From July 2022 to June 2023, NSW recorded an estimated 0.64 per 100,000 while Victoria’s rate was 0.71 per 100,000.
The homicide rate in Queensland is little consolation to the families who lost loved ones amid allegations of senseless crimes.
These are the faces of 18 Queenslanders whose alleged murders made headlines in 2023.
JANUARY 24, 2023: WENDY SLEEMAN, ELANORA
An emotional candlelight vigil was held in Elanora on the Gold Coast in January last year to pay tribute to local woman Wendy Anne Sleeman, 61, whose body was found in a blue Honda jazz on January 26, 2023.
Ms Sleeman’s heartbroken sister Meg Sleeman, led the tributes, remembering her sister as a fun-loving woman and breeder of chocolate labradors, who was also a lifesaver, windsurfer and teacher of physical education and ESL.
More than 100 people gathered at a park near Ms Sleeman’s home after the incident to remember the much-loved teacher, who disappeared from her Elanora home, sparking a desperate search by police.
Police went to her Ironbark St home in Elanora on January 24 last year after a call to report a break and enter.
They allegedly discovered a significant amount of blood inside the bathroom of her property.
Police said emergency services located blood in the property and a doormat on fire which was quickly extinguished, however there were no people at the home.
A blue Honda Jazz was allegedly seen in the vicinity.
A crime scene was declared and Operation Victor Arum was established to investigate Ms Sleeman’s disappearance.
Subsequent investigations led specialist police to arrest her 30-year-old son Slade Murdok at Durack on January 25.
Analysis of electronic data led police to an address at Thondley St, Wilston, on January 26, where a body was found inside a blue Honda jazz.
He was also charged with three counts of contravention of domestic violence order, and one count each of unlawful stalking, burglary, assault occasioning bodily harm, kidnapping, attempted arson, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
He was charged with her murder on January 31, 2023 and appeared at the Brisbane Magistrates Court.
His case was briefly mentioned in Southport Magistrates Court in July and Magistrate Louisa Pink granted a three-month adjournment and told the prosecution they must give an updated time frame estimate.
The case returned to court on October 13. Murdok has been in custody since his arrest, with the matter still before the court.
Ms Sleeman’s brother Mike Sleeman and sister Meg released a statement.
“We acknowledge the tireless work of the Burleigh Heads CIB in this case. We can now lay our beloved sister to rest,” they said.
“We are profoundly saddened by Wendy’s death. She was gentle, funny, caring, clever, loved her labradors and always thought of other people before herself.
“In accordance with Wendy’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.
“In lieu of leaving flowers, could we ask that people consider making a donation in her memory to either Rosie’s or to the Labrador Retriever Club of Queensland.
“We will miss our beloved sister forever and ask for you to respect our privacy at this terrible time.”
FEBRUARY 16, 2023: JANET GUTHERIE, BRIBIE ISLAND
A Bribie Island woman, killed in her own home, was remembered as a “devoted mother and friend to many”.
Janet Guthrie, 51, was found dead in a “very confronting” scene at her Melia St, Bongaree home on February 16, 2023.
The discovery of her body was a day after neighbours heard a disturbance, police said.
Detective Inspector Ben Fadian said the death was being treated as a murder.
He said Ms Gutherie lived alone at the waterfront property.
Pensioner Ramah Lee Wishbone Manning, who police say was in a relationship with Ms Guthrie, faced Caboolture Magistrates court on February 22, 2023, charged with the domestic violence murder of the 51-year-old mother.
Daughters of the alleged murder victim India Guthrie-Wright and her sister Tihani Guthrie joined a rally in front of Parliament House in February aimed at stopping the state’s domestic violence scourge and preventing further deaths.
More than 60 people, led by The Red Rose Foundation, rallied in memory of Queensland women Wendy Sleeman, 61; Krystal Monks, 19; and Ms Guthrie.
Police say Ms Guthrie was allegedly murdered in her Bribie Island home after moving from Cairns.
She worked in advocacy roles for women and Indigenous people as well as the aged-care industry.
Ms Guthrie’s ex-husband and father to her children wrote on social media that “no child deserves to have to go through what my girls are going through at the moment”.
“As some of you will by now know, my ex-wife and mother to my beautiful daughters was tragically taken from this mortal coil on Thursday,” he wrote.
“Janet and I shared a complicated relationship of more than 20 years and while we didn’t always get along or agree with (each) other, we did share a common love for our girls and a commitment to their wellbeing.
“I will be taking some time away from social media so I can be with my girls and help them through this time as well as process my own emotions.”
The matter was before Caboolture Magistrates Court in August and remains before the courts.
MARCH 19, 2023: DECLAN LAVERTY, CAIRNS
Alleged murder victim Declan Laverty was farewelled by AFL star Trent Cotchin at a funeral service in Cairns in March last year, two weeks after he was stabbed to death while working at a Darwin bottle shop.
Brownlow medallist and Richmond AFL star Cotchin shared a heartfelt tribute for the 20-year-old bottleshop worker at his funeral in Cairns on March 31, 2023.
“Lots of love from the Tigers family,” Mr Cotchin said in a video message played during the service.
“I know today will be a really challenging time … we’re thinking of you,” he said.
About 100 family and friends attended the service while about 2500 people tuned in to the funeral livestream to farewell the young life taken too soon.
Declan’s father Damian Crook remembered his son as his “best mate”.
“We lived together as housemate and housewife,” Mr Crook said.
“As you do, Declan and I had plans; he was going to get his motorcycle licence and one day we were going to travel Route 66.”
Declan’s mother, Samara Laverty, also spoke.
“From the moment I found out I was pregnant with you, you had my heart and soul,” she said.
Ms Laverty remembered how open Declan was with his feelings, saying she received three texts from her son telling her he loved her the day he died.
Tragically, the last one was also to tell her he had been stabbed.
“My heart stopped, my soul was ripped out,” Ms Laverty said.
She said she would fight for “Declan’s Law”, calling for tougher penalties for violent crime.
Declan’s sisters Taylah and Bridget stood side-by-side as they fondly remembered “the best brother” they could ask for.
Family and friends dressed in yellow and black to farewell the 20-year-old, a nod to the footy-fanatic’s favourite Richmond Tigers colours.
Declan was an aspiring rapper and the funeral began with Eminem’s classic rap anthem, ‘Lose Yourself’.
More recently he found a passion for writing rap music and had big dreams of success.
Declan, who previously lived at Bentley Park in Cairns, was stabbed to death while working at a Darwin bottleshop after allegedly refusing service to a customer on Sunday, March 19.
Declan’s death has prompted a review of NT police powers and bail laws and more than 2000 people marched on the Northern Territory’s Parliament House on Saturday rallying against violent crime.
Keith Kerinauia, 19, was charged with murder and will stand trial in the Supreme Court in June.
MARCH 21, 2023: JONATHAN MARTIN, MILES
Police have confirmed Miles man Jonathan Martin died of a stab wound suffered at a home on Hawkins St on March 21, 2023.
QPS Inspector Garry Watts said Mr Martin went to the home with another man about 9.45pm. Police saythere was an altercation at the home with a third man, during which Mr Martin suffered a stab wound to the chest.
Police were called just after 11pm and found the alleged victim unresponsive. He was taken to the Miles Hospital but could not be revived.
“He was treated by QAS at the scene and conveyed to the Miles Hospital, but unfortunately he passed away at the Miles Hospital.”
Dale Joram Edward Hamilton, 26, was charged with murder arising from the death of the 44-year-old Mr Martin.
Holdups in Queensland’s DNA and autopsy reports were at the centre of delays in the murder case before Toowoomba Magistrates.
An update on the case was provided to Toowoomba Magistrates Court on December 6, 2023.
Mr Hamilton was represented in court by solicitor Phil Stainton, who said he was still waiting on police to disclose all evidence to his office.
The Legal Aid Queensland lawyer said an autopsy report was outstanding, as well as DNA reports, however the case may be able to proceed without the latter.
Mr Hamilton has been in police custody for more than six months, and has not yet entered a plea to the charge.
An update on the progress of the case was expected to be provided to the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on January 31.
Mr Hamilton has been remanded in custody.
Mr Martin moved to Miles from Chinchilla and is the stepfather of two young girls and had been in a long-term relationship with their mother.
A close friend said his family was shocked and traumatised by their sudden loss.
APRIL 2, 2023: GRANT DAVID PEASLEY, MILLMERRAN
A court has heard there will be lengthy delays in the court case of a young Darling Downs man accused of murdering his stepfather with a sword.
Police allege Jayden Wade Doyle, 25, attacked Grant David Peasley with a katana-style sword at his mother’s Millmerran home in early April 2023.
Mr Peasley’s hand was severed during the attack, he also had lacerations to his neck, shoulder, and back.
The 56-year-old was rushed to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in critical condition, however he died days later.
Mr Doyle’s solicitor Alysha Jacobsen told the court the case may be moved to Queensland’s Mental Health Court.
The Toowoomba Magistrates Court was provided with an update on the alleged murder case on October 19, 2023, where Ms Jacobsen told the court Mr Doyle’s mental health could not be assessed until January 2024.
The court heard specialist psychiatrist Dr Siva Bala would assess the young man’s health in person, however the prison was yet to set a date.
Ms Jacobson noted another delay in the matter was due to a pathologist report that could only be completed by two people Australia-wide.
That report may take up to 18 months.
Mr Doyle remains in custody, and the case was next due to be before the court for mention on January 29, 2024.
Police allege the pair were arguing over car keys prior to a violent attack and that Mr Doyle was staying at the Flamingo Rd home for four days, and he had limited contact with police prior to the incident.
Police have charged Mr Doyle with murder, armed robbery with violence, going armed to cause fear, unlawful use of a car, and entering a premise to commit an indictable offence.
APRIL 10: RICHARD MATTHEWS, INNISFAIL
An Innisfail man died of injuries sustained in a random attack days after his eldest brother passed away from a stroke.
Innisfail man Richard Matthews, known by many as Dickie, died on June 25, 2023 from brain injuries sustained in an alleged attack on April 10, 2023.
Mr Matthews’ older brother, Bill, who had been travelling weekly to see his injured brother in hospital, died of a stroke in mid-June.
In a GoFundMe set up to support Mr Matthews and his family soon after the alleged assault, he was described as a “saint and a friendly face to all”.
He died “surrounded by family” and “very peacefully”.
A 17-year-old Deeragun boy was taken into custody on April 11, 2023 and charged with one count of grievous bodily harm.
On July 11, 2023, detectives from Innisfail Criminal Investigation Branch upgraded his charge to murder.
He was to appear at Innisfail Children’s Court at a later date.
Mr Matthews’ nephew Kodi Matthews said his uncle was an avid rugby league fan and Manly supporter was well-known and loved in the community, leading a simple life.
“He had his little routine where he would have coffee with people at a local cafe and in the afternoon he’d go to the RSL and have a beer with his mates,” he said.
“He always made sure to head home before dark so he wouldn’t get into any trouble.”
Police said Mr Matthews was 100m from his doorstep when police allege he was randomly assaulted by a Deeragun teenager on a footpath between Charles and Kookaburra streets.
JULY 12, 2023: BRUCE MARTIN, TOWNSVILLE
Tributes flowed from across the country for prominent Aurukun man and Indigenous Advisory Council leader Bruce Frank Martin, who was farewelled at a ceremony on Cape York Peninsula on August 11, 2023.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott also sent his respects to the Canberra-raised Aboriginal leader, who was allegedly murdered in Townsville on July 12.
The former Canberra Grammar student and proud dad died at his Eleventh Ave address in Townsville.
Emergency crews found Mr Martin unconscious with critical injuries, including a stab wound to his chest.
He was declared dead a short time later.
Beach Holm man Daniel John Hook, 37, was charged with the alleged fatal stabbing of the 39-year-old Mr Martin in July, 2023.
He was also charged with enter dwelling with intent at night in company, threatening violence and deprivation of liberty.
His matter remains before the court.
Officers also charged Candis Nicole Greer, 32, with murder.
She faced Townsville Magistrates Court in July 2023 where she did not apply for bail. Her matter remains before the court.
A third person, Condon man Damen Scott Leaney, was arrested by officers from the Townsville Tactical Crime Squad as he left a car on July 26, 2023.
Mr Martin had been a director for the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation since 2015, working in the community development space.
His heartbroken father, renowned anthropologist David Martin, said his son was generous and gifted across all walks of life.
“He had a very strong presence wherever he was from a very young age,” he said of his eldest son.
“Wherever he was he lit up the room.”
JULY 16, 2023: LINDA CHERYAL KERR, ROCKHAMPTON
Rockhampton grandmother Linda Cheryal Kerr was allegedly murdered at her Kawana home, Rockhampton, in July last year.
Neighbour Graeme Colin Wollington, 68, is charged with the 74-year-old’s murder.
Her body was discovered inside a duplex at Withers St, Kawana, about 7.30pm on July 16, 2023.
A crime scene was established around the perimeter of the property and remained under police guard for a week before police confirmed Mr Wollington had been charged.
The duplex is on the site of PresCare Alexandra Gardens but is regarded as independently living and listed on the National Rental Affordability Scheme.
According to court documents, Mr Wollington lived next door.
Mr Wollington’s matter was mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on January 24, 2024 where his solicitor, Stephanie Nicholas from Legal Aid, said they were still waiting for the brief of evidence.
“There is some age to this matter now and we still don’t know where the brief is,” Ms Nicholas said.
“We have asked for an indication and haven’t received a response.”
The brief of evidence was ordered when Mr Wollington’s charge was first mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 24, 2023.
Police prosecutor Sergeant David Longhurst said the brief of evidence was still being compiled.
Sergeant Longhurst asked Magistrate Grace Kahlert for a three-week adjournment.
Ms Kahlert adjourned Mr Wollington’s matter to February 14.
He was remanded in custody with his appearance excused at the next mention.
The grandmother was remembered by friends for her “never ending supply of jokes”.
Friends said she was legally blind, had suffered three strokes and previously underwent a double hip replacement.
She was born and raised in New Zealand and had a distinct accent, they said.
“Linda was an amazing person, she was cheeky and had a never-ending supply of jokes,” one friend, who did not want to be identified, said.
“Everyone knew her as she walked around the units with her little dogs.”
JULY 21, 2023: TERRY BISHOP/GYPSY SATTERLEY/JESSICA TOWNLEY
Husband, father and grandfather Terry Bishop was allegedly murdered along with two others after stopping to help a woman in distress.
Mr Bishop was on his way to Brisbane for a family wedding when the 65-year-old stopped to help a young woman he didn’t know, Gypsy Satterley.
She was on the side of the Bruce Highway after getting out of a stolen white Isuzu MU-X allegedly being driven by her boyfriend, Rafferty Raymond Rolfe about 3.30am Friday, July 21, 2023.
Mr Bishop let Ms Satterley into his silver Nissan Navara dual cab utility but was chased for about 4km, by Mr Rolfe south along the highway.
Mr Rolfe is alleged to have rammed the stolen Isuzu into the Navara, causing it to spin around.
Mr Bishop and Ms Satterley then drove back the way they had come, north in the south bound lane, with Mr Rolfe allegedly chasing them.
Mr Rolfe and his Isuzu allegedly struck the Navara again with Mr Bishop’s Navara hitting into a third car, a Great Wall utility, driven by farmer Jessica Townley, 38.
Mr Bishop, Ms Satterley and Ms Townley were all killed.
Mr Rolfe, the sole survivor, was charged with three counts of murder.
The Sunshine Coast accused is in Arthur Gorrie prison.
He has yet to enter any pleas.
His matter was mentioned in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 19, but he did not appear in person.
The matter was adjourned until February 23.
Mr Rolfe was remanded in custody.
AUGUST 10, 2023: TAYLA BLACK/MURPHY MARGARET/ROCKHAMPTON
Delays in the case against an alleged killer husband and father accused of stabbing his wife and baby daughter to death were detailed in Rockhampton Magistrates Court in January 2024.
Matthew James Cox was charged with the murders of Tayla Black, 30, and their 11-week-old, Murphy Margaret.
Police allege the 31-year-old father left work early on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, and stabbed his wife and baby in their Bean St, Park Avenue home.
Police also allege Mr Cox flew to Brisbane and attended the Fortitude Valley Police Station which led officers to conduct a welfare check at the Rockhampton home where the bodies were discovered.
Mr Cox’s murder charges were mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on January 24, where his solicitor, Stephanie Nicholas from Legal Aid, said she had received a partial brief of evidence but was still waiting for forensics.
Magistrate Grace Kahlert adjourned Mr Cox’s matters to March 6.
He was remanded in custody with his appearance excused at the next mention.
The case was transferred to Rockhampton after it was briefly mentioned in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 27 and last heard in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on December 8, with Legal Aid taking on his case.
Mr Cox has not entered pleas. He cannot apply for bail in the Magistrate’s Court because of the seriousness of the charges.
He was remanded in custody in a southeast Queensland jail.
AUGUST 17, 2023: DYLAN THOMAS McPADDEN, ROBINA
A Gold Coast man faces murder charges following a stabbing in the smoking area of a suburban tavern.
Tyler Hailes, 26, was charged with the murder of Dylan McPadden, 26, who was allegedly stabbed in the chest at RQ’s Tavern on Markeri St, Robina, on August 17, 2023.
Police also charged Southport woman Jade Brenda Laing with accessory to murder over the death.
Police say an altercation happened within minutes of the accused entering the tavern.
Detectives allege Mr McPadden was enjoying drinks with friends at an outdoor smoking area when a man and a woman arrived and an argument began “almost directly”.
Police allege Mr McPadden was stabbed during the incident and he later died in hospital.
Hailes was arrested at a Mermaid Beach motel in the early hours of the following morning and charged with one count of murder.
The woman faced Southport Magistrates Court in October where she faced one count of accessory to murder.
She was granted bail and the matter was adjourned to reappear at a later date.
Weeks after her son’s death, Carol McPadden left a heartfelt online tribute, thanking those who had shown her family support “during this difficult time”.
“Many of you may not have known him, but you know us, his parents (Carol and Bruce and Jacob) and brother, and we have been blown away by the generosity and support,” she wrote on a GoFundMe page.
“It’s still hard to imagine life without Dylan around but always remember to find joy in every single day. Follow the Light like the sunflower.”
AUGUST 23, 2023: ROBERT LUMSDEN, ARUNDEL
Alleged murder victim Robert Lumsden, a long-time Gold Coast resident with deep community links in the city’s north, was found dead at his Arundel home on August 23, 2023.
His long-time de facto partner, Katrina Bayldon is the mother of first-term Gold Coast City councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden, who has been charged with his stepfather’s murder.
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden’s lawyer Jason Murakami told the Southport Magistrates Court in August last year that his client would be pleading not guilty.
Detectives from the Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch charged the 30-year-old councillor with murder following the death at a Chiffley Place residence in Arundel.
Police allege that just after 3pm, officers were called after reports of a disturbance.
Upon arrival, emergency services located the body of 58-year-old Mr Lumsden inside the property.
Mr Lumsden was a long-time member of the LNP involved in the Bonney and Fadden branches of the party, and was a frequent sight at preselection meetings.
Mr Lumsden was also understood to be closely involved in Mr Bayldon-Lumsden’s high-profile council run in 2020.
The family have been stalwarts of the Labrador Hockey Club where Mr Lumsden served as a coach.
Mr Lumsden was born in Singapore on October 1, 1964, with company records showing he lived in the United Kingdom in the early 1990s where he was a director of National Films, a company based in Hazel Grove, just outside of Manchester in northern England.
He left the company in December 1995.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023: ALAN RICHARD HODGES, PARK RIDGE SOUTH
A Logan man, accused of assaulting an elderly handyman who performed work at his house, had his charge upgraded to murder after the handyman died in hospital.
Park Ridge South man Daniel James Martin, 33, was arrested over the alleged serious assault of a 61-year-old man at Stoney Camp Rd at Park Ridge South on September 29, 2023.
Alleged murder victim Alan Richard Hodges had been working as a handyman for the accused, Mr Martin.
Police allege that when Mr Martin, who has no criminal history, entered the Stony Camp Rd home, he attacked the 61-year-old man, punching him and causing him to fall and hit his head.
Emergency crews were called at about 7.30pm following reports a man had been struck in the head, causing him to fall to the ground, where he was then allegedly struck multiple times.
Emergency crews took the 61-year-old man to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he died on October 10.
Mr Martin was initially charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on September 30.
However his charges were upgraded following Mr Hodges’ death.
When Mr Martin returned to court on October 10, defence lawyer Nicole Conlan requested it be adjourned to Beaudesert Magistrates Court on October 28 for a committal mention.
The court heard a brief of evidence was ordered which was due on November 20 but after the charge was upgraded to murder, further evidence would need to be gathered.
Mr Martin was due to reappear at Beaudesert Magistrates Court on November 28.
The matter remains before the courts.
OCTOBER 1, 2023: MICHAEL THOMAS CHESWORTH, YERONGA
A man charged with murder after allegedly throwing an elderly man over a balcony in a dispute over cigarettes will remain behind bars after being refused bail.
Brisbane detectives charged Raymond John Binge, 49, with murder, alleging he threw Michael Thomas Chesworth, 74, over a first-floor balcony at Yeronga on October 1, 2023.
The elderly man hit the cement below sustaining serious head injuries before he was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he later died.
Mr Binge was detained at the scene and later charged with one count of murder.
Police allege they were called to the School Rd unit at 1.40pm on October 1 after reports of a disturbance in which it is alleged Mr Binge became angry towards Mr Chesworth after searching for cigarettes.
Police further allege the two men were not known to each other.
Mr Binge, originally from St George, had his application for bail rejected by Justice Paul Freeburn in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on November 9.
He has been behind bars on the murder charge since the incident.
Director of Public Prosecution prosecutor Emily McGregor told the Supreme Court Mr Binge had allegedly become angry towards Mr Chesworth after searching for cigarettes.
She told the court the DPP opposed the bail application because Mr Binge posed a “significant risk” to the community.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham told reporters in October police believed Mr Binge knocked on Mr Chesworth’s door while he was at home with his partner and within a short period of time a disagreement started before the incident.
Mr Binge then allegedly went to a unit he didn’t live in before he was found by police and taken into custody.
DECEMBER 10, 2023: SIVA AUVAE, KALLANGUR
A mother-of-four who police say was killed by her partner north of Brisbane had only recently moved there from Sydney.
Emergency services were called to a street in Kallangur, north of Brisbane, on December 9, 2023, where they found young mum Siva Auvae on the road, “collapsed” and suffering multiple stab wounds, about 100m from her home.
She died at the scene, just days out from her 32nd birthday.
Her partner, Anaru Ormond, 32, who police believe to be the perpetrator, was taken to hospital after sustaining injuries from a nearby house fire.
He died in hospital on December 10.
Police say they are investigating the alleged domestic violence of Ms Auvae, who was stabbed and later collapsed in front of a neighbour’s home.
Ms Auvae, understood to be a New Zealand national, was found in a critical condition.
Police said at a similar time to the alleged stabbing, a property in a neighbouring street was engulfed by fire.
Police said they then found a man nearby suffering “critical injuries”.
A police statement said the 32-year-old man died due to injuries in the house fire.
“There are no outstanding persons in relation to either incident,” the statement said.
Police released a statement on Sunday confirming they were investigating the incident as an alleged domestic violence homicide.
Three crime scenes were set up.
Traumatised neighbours found her and called triple-0 but emergency services tried CPR but she couldn’t be saved.
Ms Auvae’s heartbroken friends and family paid tribute to the “most beautiful cousin” and “the most loving, kind person” saying “it hurts my heart to hear you’re gone”.
Investigators said the couple had only just moved to Brisbane from NSW.
A fundraiser has been set up to help her four children and return her body to New Zealand.
DECEMBER 21, 2023: ANA FA LAVAKA, HAMILTON
A woman, who was allegedly murdered by her neighbour in an up-market Brisbane suburb, has been described by grief-stricken loved ones as a “devoted daughter, sister and mother”.
Ana Fa Lavaka, 43, from Brisbane lost her life after an alleged assault by a woman believed to be her neighbour.
The neighbour, Dorothy James Downie, 55, was charged with murder after allegedly stabbing Ms Lavaka in the Brisbane suburb of Hamilton on December 21.
The incident sent shockwaves across the community.
Officers obtained a court order to test Ms Downie, 55, for drugs after she was charged with murder and enter with intent over the incident.
Police said they had responded to reports of a disturbance at an address on Oxford St in Hamilton about 8.45am on December 21.
They said they found a woman in her 40s had been stabbed several times including in the chest before dying of her injuries in hospital.
The matter was briefly heard in the Brisbane Arrests Court on December 22, when police sought the urgent forensic order to secure the blood samples.
Police prosecutor Sgt Tara Williams said the urgency was in relation to whether there were prescription or non-prescription drugs in her blood at the time of the attack.
Daniel Hannay, representing Downie, said his client had a history of delusions and psychosis, and needed to be seen by a mental health nurse.
The order was granted by magistrate Andrew Hackett.
Downie was remanded in custody with the matter adjourned until February 14, when she is not required to appear.
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