Police release new details on alleged Collingwood Park murders, house fire

Footage of a man believed to have been seen driving a black Mercedes belonging to a couple found dead in their Ipswich home has been released as police call for witnesses to come forward.

Detectives have released CCTV footage as investigations continue for the alleged murder of Ipswich couple Joe and Christine Stephan.

Mr and Mrs Stephan were located deceased inside the bedroom of their Collingwood Park home on the morning of Sunday, January 23, after it’s suspected they were killed prior to their home catching fire.

Police have revealed the couple’s car was stolen prior to their bodies being located at about 1am on January 23.

Detectives are seeking information in relation to the black Mercedes, and are urging anyone who spotted the car travelling along Zillmere Rd in Aspley at around 10am on Saturday January 22, or Robinson Rd in Geebung at 1pm that same day, to come forward.

Investigators have also released footage of a man they believe may be able to assist them, and may have been driving the Mercedes on the day prior to the couple’s deaths.

Police have released CCTV footage of a man who they believe was driving a stolen vehicle which has belonged to the couple. Picture: Queensland Police

Detective Acting Superintendent Stephen Blanchfield would not reveal when investigators believe Mr and Mrs Stephan died as the result of significant violence, however it’s understood the car was stolen on January 22.

When asked if there were signs of break and enter, or how those responsible may have entered the house, Acting Supt Blanchfield revealed police had enlisted the help of a forensic locksmith to determine the security of the home.

He said the couple were “subject to quite a violent assault,” however he would not reveal the cause or mechanism of death.

Acting Supt Blanchfield said police have explored a multitude of possibilities into the the pair’s deaths, including the potential of a murder-suicide, however detectives now believe there was third party involvement.

Investigators are keeping an open mind as to whether more than one person may be involved in the alleged murders of Mr and Mrs Stephan.

Police are urging anyone who recognises the man in the footage, or has any CCTV or Dashcam footage of either the man or the car on January 22 to contact police immediately.

Victims Christine Stephan, 68 and Joseph Stephan, 73.

The couple had no known history of domestic violence, however police indicated early on that the couple’s relationship would form a significant part of the investigation.

It was initially thought there may have been no third party involvement into the couple’s deaths.

Some days later, investigators would reveal the much respected couple died from wounds unrelated to the fire.

Investigators were still unable to rule third-party involvement in, or out, following the January 28 update.

Police suspect the couple were killed the night prior to their house catching fire. Picture: John Gass

However, one week after Mr and Mrs Stephan’s deaths, on January 30, a man known to the couple was charged with two counts of murder and one count of arson.

Sensationally, less than 12 hours after detectives officially charged the man, his charges were dropped and he was released from police custody.

This man is no longer a person of interest to the investigation and there is no indication the man had any involvement in the alleged murders.