Baby dead in outback murder, suicide

Police in the Northern Territory are investigating the deaths of a man, a woman and a baby at an outstation about 25km north of Alice Springs.

Police in the Northern Territory are investigating the deaths of a man, a woman and a baby at an outstation about 25km north of Alice Springs.

The bodies of the 41-year-old male, the 40-year-old female and the infant were discovered on Sunday after a report was made to authorities.

Acting Commander Mark Grieve said a firearm had been located at the scene “and we are treating this as a domestic violence incident … there are no ongoing safety concerns for the community as a result of this ­incident”.

“This was a horrific event, and our hearts go out to the family and community members affected by this tragedy,” he said.

“The Community Resilience and Engagement Command team including the Aboriginal Liaison Officers are providing integral community engagement and support to those ­involved.

“We are also offering support to first responders and investigators involved.

“A team of Crime Command detectives is investigating (and) a file will be prepared for the ­coroner.”

It is understood that the incident took place at 16 Mile Outstation, listed on a government website as having a population of 15 people.

The property is believed to have been associated with the man, while the woman normally resided in a public housing property in town.

A source familiar with the family said the woman was a heavy drinker and there were often problems at her home.

The source said the man was trying to get the woman to move out to the outstation, away from alcohol.

It is understood she had three children, only one of them by the 41-year-old man.

Another source said police were treating the incident as a murder-suicide.

One of the woman’s other children is believed to have discovered the bodies.