Homicide investigation under way after Biggenden shed fire claimed lives of Todd and Kirra Mooney

As police begin a murder investigation into the deaths of a 10-year-old girl and her father in a shed, she has been remembered as a “sweet, gentle soul with a kind heart”.

A young girl suspected of being murdered in a shed fire alongside her dad has been remembered as a “sweet, gentle soul with a kind heart”.

Todd Mooney, 54, and his daughter Kirra, 10, were found dead following a ferocious fire on the family property days before Christmas.

It was first thought to be a tragedy, but police have now confirmed the December 20 deaths are being treated as suspicious.

Police have launched a homicide investigation, believing a third party may have been involved, and are searching for guns or knives that may have been involved.

Biggenden Swimming Club has paid tribute to Kirra, who was one of their young members.

“Biggenden Swimming Club are saddened to hear one their Barracudas and her father had passed,” a spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Kirra Mooney was found dead alongside her father Todd after a shed fire.

“Kirra was a valued member of the Biggenden Swimming Club.

“Kirra is a quiet achiever, gave everything a go and always tried her best on club nights. Kirra was a sweet and gentle soul with a kind heart and wore a smile on her face.

“Kirra’s parents also valued members of the club.

“Todd and Bec were great supporters of the Biggenden Swimming Club and our club appreciated their sponsorship.

“Kirra and Todd will be remembered fondly.”

Speaking to reporters in Maryborough on Wednesday, Inspector Gary Pettiford said Christmas was supposed to be a happy time for families and the couple was due to marry next week.

On Thursday, members of the SES were combing fields near the home, searching for weapons or items of interest.

Speaking outside the Biggenden property on Fenwicks Rd, Inspector Gary Pettiford said police were searching for weapons, namely firearms or knives, that may have been used during the incident.

He said police were of the opinion a third party was involved in the death of Mr Mooney and his daughter, but he could not make further comment.

Insp Pettiford said he could not comment on whether Mr Mooney and his daughter may have been dead when the fire began.

SES investigate the road and paddocks near the scene of the Biggenden fire, which is now being treated as a murder investigation.

But he said it was a forensic pathologist’s post mortem examinations of the bodies that had sparked the homicide investigation.

“Forensic examinations have taken place,” Insp Pettiford said.

“Those forensic examinations were of the shed by our forensic scientists attached to the Queensland Police Service, by fire investigators, and also by a forensic pathologist in Brisbane in respect to the remains that were found here,” he said.

Todd Mooney, 54, and his daughter Kirra, 10, (pictured) were found dead following a ferocious fire in a shed on the family property on December 20.

Mr Mooney owned the Biggenden Bakery alongside his fiance, Bec Hansen.

The pair were set to be married on December 28, with their wedding to be held at the property on Fenwicks Rd.

Insp Pettiford said Ms Hansen was left “distraught” by the loss of her partner and her daughter.

He said it had taken some time for the fire to be extinguished and for the shed, which had partially collapsed, to be made safe.

Insp Pettiford said that needed to be done before any searches of the area could be completed, with the roof being dismantled to allow access for investigators.

The scene at Biggenden as SES search the surrounding fields after a shed fire claimed two lives.

“Originally we thought that this was a terrible, tragic accident,” he said.

“As a result of all the forensic investigations that have been carried out, we’ve now reached a conclusion where this hasn’t been a tragic accident.

“We believe that the fire was deliberately lit, and that as a direct consequence of that the two people have passed away.”

Insp Pettiford said other forensic tests were still being carried out.

He said he had been shocked at the twist in the case.

“There was no indications initially that anything untoward had happened.

“So very, very shocked.

SES investigate road and paddocks near scene of Biggenden fire turned murder investigation.

“There’s lots of tests like toxicology and things like that which need to be carried out.

“But it’s gone from, as I said, a terrible tragedy to an horrific homicide involving a little 10-year-old girl and her father.”

Insp Pettiford said he could not say anything else in regards to the bodies or what happened to Mr Mooney and Kirra.

“That’s still being investigated and still quite confidential,” he said.

He said police were asking for the public’s help in gathering information.

Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage in the area at the time is being asked to contact police.

He said Ms Hansen was at the bakery at the time of the fire.

Todd and Bec Mooney at the reopening of the Biggenden Bakery.

While the fire did no impact the house, Insp Pettiford said Ms Hansen was staying with family as the property remained a crime scene.

He said Biggenden was a beautiful little country town and very community-minded.

“This is certainly abnormal for this town,” he said.

At this stage, police say it is unclear where the fire in the shed began because of the extent of the damage.

“Our scientists are still working on the actual origins of the fire.”

Insp Pettiford said charges had been laid and there were no persons of interest that had been identified yet.

“The investigation is still in the early stage.”

Originally published as Homicide investigation under way after Biggenden shed fire claimed lives of Todd and Kirra Mooney