Man, 29, dead as man, 66, airlifted to hospital with axe wound from Kingscliff crime scene
Police will examine actions of a granddad - with a part-severed arm - who allegedly fatally stabbed an axe-wielding home invader in Kingscliff. Read latest updates and the granddad’s condition.
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Police say they will examine the actions of a granddad who allegedly stabbed an axe-wielding home invader to death just south of the Gold Coast - and whether he used reasonable force.
Convicted armed robber Trae Laurie, 29, was fatally stabbed in the chest after he and another man allegedly stormed a home at Kingscliff armed with an axe and struck 66-year-old granddad Allan Kerr “multiple times”.
Police said it would be alleged Mr Kerr grabbed a knife to defend himself but are investigating if he used “proportionate” force during the Tuesday night incident.
Police also revealed they were investigating possible drug links to the incident. Mr Kerr - rushed to hospital in a serious condition and stable by Wednesday afternoon - has not been charged with any drug-related wrongdoing or in relation to Mr Laurie’s death.
Mr Laurie, of Tabulam in northern NSW, had served jail time for a 2019 armed robbery and also faced court in 2022 over a bizarre alleged attack on a ride-on lawn mowing contractor.
Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer, of Tweed-Byron police, said officers called to the Housing Commission home on Oxford St at Kingscliff about 8pm on Tuesday found Mr Laurie laying on the verandah with a “face covering” and with a stab wound to the chest.
Det. Insp. Zimmer said: “Police attempted to revive that person however he died at the scene.”
Mr Laurie died despite efforts by paramedics to save him.
Mr Kerr who had an axe wound to his forearm was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition.
Police discovered Mr Kerr inside with a partially-severed left arm, Det. Insp. Zimmer said.
Neighbours have said Mr Kerr lived alone at the house after his wife died last year.
“It will be alleged the deceased and another unknown male have entered the premises with force and without consent, where they’ve confronted the occupant and struck him multiple times with an axe,” Det. Insp. Zimmer said.
“There is evidence of a significant and violent confrontation that has taken place in the residence.”
Det. Insp. Zimmer said investigations indicated the two younger men had gone to the house “uninvited and without consent” and the Mr Kerr had armed himself with a knife “in self-defence”.
“We’re currently in the process of examining that scene today,” he said.
“We will also be examining the circumstances surrounding the actions of the occupant, and if his actions were lawful and reasonable in relation to the threat that was posed against him.”
Det Insp. Zimmer said police were investigating possible drug links to the crime.
He said Mr Kerr had not come to police attention for 30 years and was “a frail 66-year-old” who police did not believe knew Mr Laurie or the other man.
He said detectives were planning to interview Mr Kerr on Wednesday after he underwent surgery overnight.
Det. Insp. Zimmer said the second man who went to the house had fled the scene and urged him to hand himself in while also appealing for public assistance to track him down.
Neighbours said Mr Kerr was a long-time resident who lived alone after his wife died last year. He had three adult daughters and grandchildren
Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics, including a high acuity response unit officers, were called to assist because of the severity of the injuries.
The address where it happened is listed as being owned by the NSW Housing Department.
Police towed a silver Corolla Ascent from the scene as shocked neighbours watched on.
Local Suzanne Holland was woken by the sound of screaming as neighbours came to help Mr Kerr.
“The lady that lives a couple of doors down was the first there,” Mrs Holland said.
“She’s seen something and came outside with her six-year-old daughter.
“(The woman) started screaming for someone to call triple-0 and was covering her daughter’s face.”
Mrs Holland said she didn’t see what lead up to the fatal incident which has left the residents of the sleepy beachside suburb in shock.
“He (victim) is in his 20s – just a baby,” she said.
“We are called the unicorn town because it’s magical living here. Just can’t imagine why this happened.”
The crime scene is only 200m from Kingscliff High School.
Children making their way to school were met with the confronting sight of forensics and police.
Additional officers arrived at the crime scene just after 11am on Wednesday as the search for evidence ramped up.
Police were rummaging through bins and were on their hands and knees looking under cars and searching bushes.
Foot patrols were also covering neighbouring streets.
Social media tributes are flowing for Mr Laurie.
“Shattered bra gunna miss you Trae Trae Laurie until we meet again my nephew,” Tyler Williams posted.
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Originally published as Man, 29, dead as man, 66, airlifted to hospital with axe wound from Kingscliff crime scene
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