Crime scene of 2019 double murder cold case of Shane Ross and Cameron Martin bulldozed

Nearly five years on from a grisly Gold Coast double shooting, the unsolved murders case has had a “devastating” setback. Read why a father is losing hope.

Shane Ross and Cameron Martin were murdered at Tallebudgera in 2019.

The father of a man murdered with his mate in one of the Gold Coast’s most grisly unsolved homicides says he’s “devastated” about the crime scene being totally destroyed.

The heartbroken dad laments the scene could still have contained crucial evidence into the killings of his son Shane Ross and business partner Cameron Martin. The pair were shot dead during a late-night meeting at Martin Sheils Park, Tallebudgera in October 2019. Three alleged members of the Lone Wolves Outlaw Motorcycle – Garry James Brush, Nathan John Miller and Brodie Jeet Singh – were all charged with the two murders but discharged due to lack of evidence for a trial.

Police at Martin Sheils Park, Tallebudgera in 2019 following the discovery of Shane Ross’ body. Picture Glenn Hampson

The Bulletin as part of a special investigation has returned to the scene of the crime - now excavated and concreted over.

The small stretch of bushland along Tallebudgera Creek Road, nestled under a bridge, is almost unrecognisable when compared to footage from the day when the area was swarming with police and homicide detectives in 2019.

As the murder case was progressing through court, the Tallebudgera crime scene where Mr Ross’ body was found, was excavated and concreted as part of upgrades to the Pacific Motorway.

Mr Ross’ father Les Ross said when he learned of the demolition of the crime scene “I was completely shattered”.

“There could have been more evidence there. I asked them (the investigators), have you got enough evidence? And they said yes.”

Police alleged that Ross and Martin had been drinking at the Pimpama Tavern on October 18, before they were lured to the Tallebudgera Park and shot.

Martin’s body was found a kilometre up the road in his crashed Mercedes Benz with what was described as a “puncture wound” under his right arm. It would later be confirmed as a bullet hole.

The case against the three murder accused, Brush, Miller and Singh was thrown-out by a Gold Coast magistrate in March 2022. First, Brush was discharged of the murder charges against him then a week later Miller and Singh were also discharged of the two murder charges.

It followed damning revelations in court that crucial evidence relied upon by detectives to prosecute the three men did not exist.

Les Ross said the lack of an outcome was “devastating” for the family who are still searching for answers nearly five years after the two deaths.

“I was ringing the police up going ‘What’s happening? What’s going on?’” Mr Ross said.

“I just gave up because I was getting no sense out of them. It’s been terrible, just waiting to hear some news. Any news.

“I think they (detectives) did the first search too quickly. They can’t go back and re-search now - it’s too late.

“We’ve gone backwards big time.”

Les Ross (middle) comforted by friends at son Shane Ross’ funeral held at Southport Church of Christ.

In 2022, an “outraged” Justice Peter Davis ordered the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) investigate the handling of the high-profile case and the conduct of the detectives involved. Justice Davis also referred the matter to the Queensland Police Service’ Ethical Standards Command and the Police Minister Mark Ryan.

The Bulletin asked the CCC whether it was still investigating the matter in 2024, and if there had been any outcome or findings.

A CCC spokesman said: “The CCC declines to comment”.

Police Minister Ryan said any allegation of police misconduct or a breach of discipline received by his office is referred for investigation.

“In relation to this matter, that is exactly what happened,” he said.

“I am advised the matter is still under investigation.”

Asked whether there had been any update on the disciplinary investigation conducted by the Ethical Standards Command, a Queensland Police Service spokesman said it “continues to investigate the homicides of Shane Ross and Cameron Martin at Tallebudgera in October 2019”.

In June, it was revealed a new team of senior detectives began combing through evidence to try and rebuild the pieces of the shattered murder case.

Les Ross said he had not been contacted by detectives with an update on the investigation for at least two years.

“We want answers and someone to be held responsible,” he said.

“It’s like they (Shane and Cameron) were never here – the way I feel. Weren’t even born.”