Police investigate suspicious death after body found at Fortitude Valley station

A 20-year-old man has been charged with murder after Lauie Michael Tagaloa, 24, was stabbed to death in the heart of Fortitude Valley this morning. Police were alerted to the deadly incident after it was caught on council CCTV.

A bloody fight in the centre of Fortitude Valley has ended in the stabbing death of a 24-year-old man and a 20-year-old man charged with murder.

The victim has been identified as Lauie Michael Tagaloa, described by a friend as a “good bloke”. He was fatally stabbed in the altercation.

The victim’s father, collapsed at the scene on Monday morning.

Lauie Michael Tagaloa identified as the man killed at Fortitude Valley train station.

Mr Tagaloa’s body was found in the food court of the Valley Metro complex, which is home to the Fortitude Valley train station, about 4am.

This afternoon, detectives charged a 20-year-old Birkdale man with murder. He is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Two other men, aged 21 and 20, who were assisting police have been released without charge.

“Police will allege an altercation occurred between two groups of men in a Brunswick Street mall at approximately 4am,” police said in a statement.

“The altercation allegedly continued inside a shopping complex off Brunswick Street.

“During this altercation, it is alleged the 24-year-old Bray Park man was fatally stabbed.

“Witnesses and police provided preliminary first aid with paramedics then treating the man, however he died at the scene.”

The Courier-Mail understands the two groups of men did not know each other.

Queensland Police at the Valley Metro complex after a body was discovered at 4am on Monday. Picture: Richard Walker

Inspector Sean Cryer earlier said police were watching the city safe Brisbane City Council CCTV about 4am when they saw an altercation between two groups.

“On closer examination they saw a male person lying on the ground and persons nearby had blood on them,” he said.

A man is moved away from the scene as police continue investigations. Picture: Richard Walker

“We immediately dispatched Queensland Ambulance and uniform crews to the railway station – on arrival we located a 24-year-old male with injuries – he was declared life extinct at the scene.

“As a result of immediate investigations at the scene it was determined that three males had decamped – a search was conducted for those persons and they were located on platform 4.”

Inspector Cryer said there were a “large number of persons involved” but the incident is not being treated as gang-related.

Mr Tagaloa’s friend said he “always stuck up for himself and his mates”.

“(He) will always be loved and missed.”

Another friend, Cameron Jones, said Mr Tagaloa had a “heart of gold” and would do “anything and everything” for others.

Jordan Hanchard said the 24-year-old was “one of a kind”.

Police at the Valley Metro complex after the discovery of a man's body at Fortitude Valley train station. Picture: Samantha Scott

“He was always there for everyone when they needed someone – always respectful and peaceful,” he said.

“It’s sad to see someone with a fulfilling life lose it (his life) so young – he was a beautiful soul and a great guy to be around.”

Carl Knoetze said the incident had “truly shaken everyone”.

“I didn’t know him extremely well but from the little amount of time I spent with him it was clear that he was an honest, down to earth person who truly cared about all of his mates and family,” he said.

“He’s gone but never forgotten.”

The Brunswick St entrance of the centre was cordoned off this morning and train commuters were being urged to use the rear entrance.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said train services had not been affected.

Investigations are continuing.

Inspector Sean Cryer at the scene. Picture: Richard Walker