Millionaire businessman Greg Josephson dead, teen charged with murder in house party horror

The co-founder of clothing chain Universal Store has been identified as the man allegedly murdered by a teenager at a house party in Brisbane’s inner north.

The co-founder of clothing chain Universal Store has been identified as the man allegedly murdered by a teenager at a house party in Brisbane’s inner north.

Greg Josephson, 58, was found unresponsive in a home in the exclusive Brisbane suburb of Clayfield on Thursday night after the stabbing.

A 15-year-old boy who he knew has been charged with his murder after the party, which had up to 30 teenagers in attendance.

Co-founder of Universal Store Greg Josephson.

Police arrested the boy in a street nearby after he called Triple-0.

Mr Josephson, 58, founded the Universal Store business with his brother Michael in 1999 and later sold the business to private equity investors in a reported deal worth $100m.

A detective arrives at the scene. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

The well-known property and retail entrepreneur has amassed a property portfolio which includes the $13.9m Noosa Reef Hotel and a $3.5m group of boutique cottages in Cooran. The cottages are currently listed as for sale.

He is also listed as owning a Noosa hinterland estate, purchased for $5m in 2020, and $6.5m of properties on Eumundi Noosa Rd, Doonan, as well as a $825,000 property at Cooroy-Noosa Rd.

He owned the Cafe Doonan on the Doonan land.

The boy has been taken to hospital, with a video link to the appearance at Brisbane Children's Court on Friday morning not required, Legal Aid duty lawyer Peta Dent said.

Ms Dent requested an adjournment for a brief of evidence to be disclosed to the defence.

The court had heard earlier in the proceedings that private lawyers were in talks to appear on the boy’s behalf as friend of the court.

However, Ms Dent said she had taken a Legal Aid application from him.

Prominent Brisbane businessman Greg Josephson.

Premier David Crisafulli on Friday declined to comment on whether the teenager would be the first to be tried for murder under the government’s adult crime, adult time policy.

“I’m just mindful at the moment... a family’s lost someone in recent hours,” he said.

“I might reserve my comments on that particular [issue].

“We’ll let the courts do their job.”

Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Williams on Friday said police had located the weapon they will allege was used in the murder.

“I can confirm that there was a party underway at the house with a number of young persons at the house,” he said.

“As for what had occurred prior to the incident, it is still under investigation.”

Police officers at the scene of an alleged murder at Clayfield. Photo Steve Pohlner

Supt Williams said no other people were taken into custody and some teens spoke to police and were picked up by their parents at the police station.

“At this stage the initial investigations indicate that no other persons were involved other than the 15-year-old boy who was taken into custody,” he said.

“It’s very early days and understanding exactly why it has occurred and what has happened, the investigation is still under way.”

Supt Williams said the house remained a crime scene.

He wouldn’t comment on the man’s injuries.

The teen had a minor injury, he said, but would not comment further.

Mr Josephson was previously a leasing executive for Westfield, Lend Lease and Jones Lang LaSalle.

Mr Josephson co-founded Universal Store. Picture: David Clark

He attended St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace where he was a talented rugby player.

Shocked friends described Mr Josephson as “a gentle soul”.

Forensics police at the home in Clayfield. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“He was an amazing person, and we just can’t believe this has happened, it’s absolutely horrific,” one friend told The Courier-Mail.

Another friend said the man was very well-connected in his local area and a popular resident.

“This is going to affect so many families who were close to him,” he said.

Police officers at the scene of an alleged murder at Clayfield. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Magistrate Megan Power ordered a brief of evidence be provided to the defence by August 22.

The matter was adjourned to September 2, and the boy was remanded in custody.

Originally published as Millionaire businessman Greg Josephson dead, teen charged with murder in house party horror