Man charged with murder over brutal death of Mt Tamborine builder Matthew Berry

A long-time friend of father-of-two Matthew Berry – who was allegedly beaten to death – has been charged with his brutal murder at his Mt Tamborine home.

Police at the home where Matthew Berry’s body was found. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Police investigating the brutal killing of a Gold Coast builder in his own home have arrested one of his long-time mates and charged him with the murder.

Matthew Berry, 37, a father of two young children, was beaten to death in his Mt Tamborine home last week, his battered body found by his distraught ex-partner.

In a dramatic development, detectives on Thursday arrested Daniel Robert McJannett, 36, at Paradise Point on the northern Gold Coast and charged him with the murder.

The Courier-Mail can reveal both men had been facing separate minor drugs charges but police would not comment on an alleged motive.

Matthew Berry. Picture: Supplied

Berry’s ex-wife Edwina during a police appeal. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Detective Inspector Chris Knight, of Logan CIB, said McJannett had been arrested “without incident” after a “complex” week-long investigation involving “a lot of tenacious police work”.

He said both men were friends who had a “longstanding relationship”.

Insp Knight said it would be alleged McJannett had been at Mr Berry’s Tolima Dr residence last Wednesday, the day he was believed to have been murdered.

“We are comfortable to say that the person charged today attended that address on Wednesday afternoon,” he said.

Asked what police believe may have happened between the pair, Insp Knight said: “The truth is there are only two people who can answer that question and unfortunately one can’t tell us.”

“The victim in this matter lost his life through an act of violence,” he said.

“To say it (the murder scene) was confronting is to be quite honest an understatement.

“We’re not looking for anybody else (over the murder) at this stage.”

Mr Berry had served jail time for drug offences in 2016 and was facing fresh charges including drug-driving and possessing dangerous drugs.

McJannett was also due to face court next week on three minor charges including possessing dangerous drugs.

Insp Knight said Mr Berry’s family, including his ex-partner Edwina whom he married in 2021 and had two daughters, had been told of the arrest.

“An arrest like this doesn’t make their life any easier,” he said.

“It’s an emotional time and our thoughts are with them because whilst this is an outcome, it doesn’t change a hell of a lot in relation to how they grieve.

“I truly do respect what they’re going through – I don’t pretend to understand it – but it’s a difficult time.”

Edwina last Sunday made a tearful plea for public help to solve the crime, telling media: “My husband didn’t deserve any of this.”

“Matty was a loving father, son, brother and friend,” she said.

“His heart was huge, and he was always willing and able to put others before himself.

“I’m asking anyone with information to please come forward and help police with their investigation. I just want justice for all our family and friends, and most of all our two little girls.”

Insp Knight said the Tolima Dr property, which is owned by Mr Berry’s mother and stepfather, remained a crime scene and investigations were continuing “for the foreseeable future”.

He said police were still appealing for public information.

“This investigation does not end today and we welcome any information,” he said.

McJannett was due to face Southport Magistrates Court on Friday.