Police investigation of shooting confirmed as murder-suicide

A week after a tragic incident in which the bodies of two adults and a baby were found, more information has been released.

THE deaths of a man, woman and baby in Alice Springs are being treated as a murder-suicide.

Shockwaves were sent through the Northern Territory on July 17 when NT Police reported the bodies of a 41-year-old man, a 30-year-old woman and a baby were found at a property 25km north of Alice Springs.

Police Minister Kate Worden, in an interview with ABC News on Sunday, confirmed the man was in possession of the gun found at the scene.

She also revealed the baby was 14-weeks-old.

Up until this interview, police had not disclosed said information to the media or public.

Ms Worden told the ABC she had respected the investigation process and they were comfortable with her releasing the information to the broadcaster.

“I can confirm for you that this is an incident involving a man, woman and a 14-week-old infant barely starting out in life,” she said.

“And also I can also confirm for you that the investigation has shown already that there was a firearm found in the possession of the man.

“And I think that’s enough detail for us to know that this is a murder-suicide.

“I think the police are comfortable today with me saying that and what’s important is the police are able to have a thorough investigation. They’ve got to a point that they’re comfortable, now with that information I can confirm that for you today.”

NT Police has yet to release a formal statement with these details.

Gun found near bodies of family in suspected DV killing

POLICE have found a firearm near the bodies of a baby and two adults at a Central Australian outstation.

Northern Territory Police confirmed the bodies of a 41-year-old man, a 30-year-old woman and an infant were located at a house in the small community north of Alice Springs on Sunday.

“Police located a firearm at the scene and we are treating this as a domestic violence incident,” said Acting Commander Mark Grieve.

“There are no ongoing safety concerns for the community as a result of this incident.

“This was a horrific event, and our hearts go out to the family and community members affected by this tragedy.

“A team of Crime Command detectives are investigating this tragedy. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.”

Territory Families confirmed the family were known to the department.

“The event in Central Australia is an absolute tragedy and Territory Families will work closely with Police who are undertaking the investigation,” a department spokeswoman said.

A spokeswoman was unable to confirm or deny if the family had a known history of domestic violence, saying no comment could be made during the police investigation.

Commander Grieve said the Community Resilience and Engagement Command team, including the Aboriginal Liaison Officers, were providing integral community engagement and support to those involved.

He said mental health support was also being offered to first responders and investigators involved.

NT Police said on Tuesday significant resources were directed to the investigation.

“This tragic incident received immediate high level response with ongoing oversight from senior detectives,” Commander Grieve said.

“We are working closely with government and non-government agencies to ensure we prepare a complete and comprehensive report for the Coroner.”

Police investigating ‘critical’ incident with two adults, baby dead in Alice Springs

POLICE say there are no safety concerns for the Alice Springs community after the bodies of an adult man and woman and a baby were found on Sunday.

Reports were made to police at 2.30pm on Sunday of bodies at an outstation 25km north of the town.

Acting Commander Mark Grieve said Regional Crime members had worked throughout the night investigating the crime scene.

He said at this stage no further details would be provided.

“There’s probably a few aspects or considerations that we have to take into account … I’d like to confirm for everyone that there is certainly no safety concerns for Alice Springs or the surrounding community as a result of this incident,” he said.

“The investigation is ongoing. We have to ensure that the crime members are able to run the course and do a thorough and complete investigation in order to determine the circumstances around this tragic incident.

“The most paramount consideration for us is really the respect or out of respect for the family and the friends of the persons who tragically passed away yesterday.

“I can only imagine what sort of impact this will have upon that community. And it’s an impact that we’ll be working alongside them to try and overcome as best we can.”

Two adults, baby dead in ‘critical’ incident

POLICE are investigating a critical incident after the bodies of two adults and a baby were found.

In a statement, NT Police said members were responding to the incident at a property 25km north of Alice Springs.

“Police received a report at around 2.30pm (Sunday) afternoon that the bodies of two adults and an infant had been found at the location,” the statement read.

“A crime scene has been declared and Regional Crime is investigating the deaths.”

Originally published as Police investigation of shooting confirmed as murder-suicide