Jason Thomas King charged with murder of housemate Susan Walker, 74, after body discovered at Molendinar home
The identity of a man who allegedly murdered his 74-year-old housemate has been revealed, as tributes begin flowing for the “lovely lady.” See all the latest.
Gold Coast
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Police have charged Jason Thomas King with murder after the body of his 74-year-old housemate Susan Walker was discovered inside a Molendinar home Sunday evening.
It was about 8.40pm when officers were called to a Macquarie Ave home where the pair, who are not related, both lived.
Gold Coast police acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Wildman said officers arrived to find the body of Ms Walker, understood to be the homeowner, inside the property.
The incident is not domestic violence-related, he said.
Mr King, 50, allegedly raised the alarm with neighbours and was taken into custody at the scene.
He was believed to be a tenant who rented a room from Ms Walker.
“Officers attended very, very quickly of course and located him at the address,” said Acting Chief Superintendent Wildman.
There were no prior reports of disturbances in the area around the time of the death.
The pair were not known to police.
“(The address) hasn’t raised any flags with us (previously) …” he said.
“ … This whole incident has taken us very much by surprise.”
It is understood Ms Walker allegedly sustained severe head injuries. Mr King was uninjured.
Police would not confirm whether a weapon had been recovered.
“This is a tragic incident in which a 74-year-old woman has lost her life, so we have to be respectful of not only her but also the family involved,” acting Chief Superintendent Wildman said.
Neighbour Pippa Pascoe took to social media to share a tribute to Ms Walker: “ Very sad, she was a very giving woman according to the people who spoke to me about her,” she said.
Jodie Paul described the woman as a “lovely lady.”
A man, believed to be her ex-husband, was seen speaking with police after the tragedy.
Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matter.
“We’re speaking to a number of witnesses to ascertain who exactly was staying at the address in recent weeks,” acting Chief Superintendent Wildman said.
A property next door to the crime scene has since been roped off as investigations continue.
Acting Chief Superintendent Wildman said Mr King was assisting police.
“Anyone who may have heard or seen anything in the Macquarie Ave location from around 8-8.30pm last night, please come forward and ring Crimestoppers or Policelink,” he said.
“Information from the community is absolutely vital.”
Mr King did not appear when the matter was briefly mentioned in court on Monday afternoon.
He faces a single charge of murder in the Southport Magistrates Court.
He is due to appear in court on Tuesday via video link.
Police were still waiting for more paperwork before the matter proceeds.
Crime scene declared after woman found dead inside home
March 21, 6am: Police are investigating after a woman was found dead in a Molendinar home on Sunday night.
Officers were called to the Macquarie Ave around 8.40pm on March 20 where they discovered the 74-year-old woman’s body.
It is understood the woman sustained severe head injuries and was found in a pool of blood.
A 50-year-old man reportedly alerted neighbours of the incident.
The man, believed to be known to the woman, was restrained by police at the scene.
He is now assisting police with their investigation.
A crime scene has since been declared.
Police believe that while the pair were known to each other the incident was not domestic violence related.
Gold Coast police acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Wildman is expected to provide an update on the matter shortly.
More to come
brianna.morris-grant@news.com.au
Originally published as Jason Thomas King charged with murder of housemate Susan Walker, 74, after body discovered at Molendinar home
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