South Mackay man charged over death of woman allegedly killed in front of her daughter and friend

A man has been charged with murder after he allegedly shot and killed a woman on the street in front of two children, triggering a lockdown.

A Queensland mum was allegedly shot and killed in front of her 11-year-old daughter, and the child’s 12-year-old-friend, by a man who was unknown to her but lived on her street in South Mackay.

On Wednesday, police charged the 31-year-old man with murder and attempted murder after he allegedly approached the 34-year-old woman and fired a bullet from a “revolver-style weapon”.

At the time, she was sitting in a vehicle outside a home on Robb Place, with the two children also sitting in the car.

Detective Acting Superintendent Emma Novosel said the mum, daughter and her friend were “heading out to some sort of sporting activity” at the time of the alleged attack.

Police are still trying to determine the motives behind the shooting.

“The motives behind the attack on this woman and man are unknown,” Superintendent Novosel told reporters on Wednesday.

“There will be further investigations that are obviously undertaken to try and determine what’s brought about this incident.”

Following the attack, the two girls, who were uninjured, escaped the vehicle and ran to a nearby home, where they obtained assistance from a 66-year-old resident, who was also allegedly shot by the man.

Emergency crews responded to reports of shootings at a South Mackay address in northern Queensland. Picture: 9 NEWS

The 66-year-old sustained non-life-threatening wounds to his hand and sternum and was taken to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Superintendent Novosel said while the man was known to police, the interactions had been “minimal”.

“We’ve had some interaction with that man, very minimal, and no recent calls for service in relation to either that man (or) the deceased woman,” she said.

The shooting also triggered a widespread lockdown, including Robb Place, Paradise St, Archibald St, Kindermar St and Denton St about 5.20pm after the 31-year-old allegedly fled the scene in a silver Mitsubishi Triton.

An area in Mackay was closed off by authorities.

On Tuesday, Superintendent Graeme Paine told media the 34-year-old woman drove a vehicle to Robb Place, where the man approached the car and allegedly discharged a firearm.

“At the time there were two children in the car,” Superintendent Paine said.

“They immediately left the vehicle and left the residence.”

Supt Paine said a 66-year-old witness rushed to help the woman where it is alleged the 31-year-old man again fired the gun before fleeing the scene.

Police were called to the scene and secured the area before beginning their investigations.

The 31-year-old man was arrested about 7.45pm outside a fast-food restaurant on the Bruce Highway.

Police said the man was not physically injured and was assisting officers with inquiries.

He will appear before the Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Police search for the alleged shooter. Picture: 9 NEWS

Superintendent Paine said authorities had yet to identify a motive.

“There is no detail for any motive or any reasons for what has occurred,” he said.

“The children were young teenagers … it is an absolutely shocking thing to have experienced.

“They were obviously very fearful, they went to seek help … that help was provided and the man who gave help has been injured.”

Originally published as South Mackay man charged over death of woman allegedly killed in front of her daughter and friend