Police launch homicide investigation after fatal stabbing of man in Railway Estate

The victim of a fatal stabbing in Townsville has been identified as police continue to search for suspects who fled the scene.

A homicide investigation has been opened following a fatal stabbing in Railway Estate, in the early hours of the morning.

The victim of a fatal stabbing in Townsville has been identified as a 39-year-old man from Aurukun as police continue to search for suspects who fled the scene.

A homicide investigation is underway after a 39-year-old man was allegedly stabbed in the chest at a home on Eleventh Ave, Railway Estate about 4.50am on Wednesday.

First responders attempted to give him CPR, but he was declared dead at the scene.

Police have since confirmed the victim was from Aurukun, a small Indigenous community located in Far North Queensland, but they say he was also known to frequently visit Townsville.

Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd said initial investigations indicate he was allegedly stabbed after suspects known to the man arrived at the home in a white vehicle, and an argument broke out.

“The argument does appear to be over money that may have been owed,” he said.

“It appears to be a targeted attack over a debt.”

Police have yet to locate the suspects involved and are appealing for anyone who may have CCTV footage of a white vehicle they arrived and left the scene in.

Police were called to a residence at Eleventh Ave, Railway Estate following reports a man had been stabbed. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Insp Shepherd said the victim had only been visiting friends at the time and did not live permanently at the address. He said police had spoken with the two residents who live there.

“They’re obviously distressed, the two of them have been in the police station since it happened this morning, providing versions of what occurred,” he said.

Acting Inspector Jason Shepherd has revealed more details about a fatal stabbing in Railway Estate. Picture: Leighton Smith

Dressed in blue protection suits, forensic police were seen going in and out of the Eleventh Ave home with evidence bags.

It’s understood the weapon involved has not been recovered at the scene at this stage.

Police establish a crime scene at a residence at Eleventh Ave, Railway Estate following reports a man had been stabbed. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Neighbour Ned Ware said he saw two men and a woman leave the house and walk down the road at about 3am.

“They were yelling, laughing and drinking,” he said.

Insp Shepherd said there was evidence of a group of people drinking at the home before the stabbing took place, and they were able to verify the resident’s movements that morning with CCTV.

Mr Ware’s partner Grace Warria said, as a mother of four kids, the news deeply concerned her.

“It hit very close to home, I was thinking about the safety of my family and my kids, you know,” she said.

“Anyone could walk in and stab them. It’s terrifying.”

Ned Ware, Grace Warria, with their children, outside the scene of a fatal stabbing near their home in Railway Estate. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Neighbour Michael Ven said he woke up to the sound of sirens and came out to see the street crawling with police just before 5am.

“There’s crime all over Townsville, everywhere … but I’m surprised somebody has been killed, that’s for sure,” he said.

Michael Ven speaking after a fatal stabbing at a neighbouring home. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Mr Ven said his mother had lived on the street since 1948, and they’d never seen anything like this.

Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said he was shocked to hear what had happened.

“This is a pretty normal, quiet street,” he said.

“It’s sad to hear this has happened.”

Police and ambulance crews outside a residence at Eleventh Ave, Railway Estate following reports a man had been stabbed. Picture: Blair Jackson

No arrests have been made at this stage. Investigations are continuing.

Originally published as Police launch homicide investigation after fatal stabbing of man in Railway Estate