Femicide researcher Sherele Moody speaks out on apparent murder of Janice Walker

A femicide researcher has spoken out about the apparent murder of a Urangan woman just days into the new year.

Prominent journalist and femicide researcher Sherele Moody has spoken out about the apparent murder-suicide involving Urangan woman Janice Walker after her body was discovered alongside her husband Bryan Monk in their home this week.

Police first went to the complex at the corner of King and Sandy streets, Urangan, for a welfare check about midday on Tuesday.

Upon arrival, the bodies of Mr Monk, 70, and Ms Walker, 68 were found inside.

Ms Walker was battling a serious illness and nearing end-of-life care in the months leading up to the grim find.

Ms Moody, the founder of Australian Femicide Watch, posted on social media in relation to Ms Walker’s death after police confirmed it appeared to be a murder-suicide rather than a double suicide or suicide pact.

“And so it begins ... again. Or it never really stopped!” Ms Moody wrote.

“68-year-old Janice Walker was found dead in her home at Urangan, Qld.

“It’s believed she was killed by her husband and he ended his own life.

The scene where the bodies of a Hervey Bay couple were discovered. Picture: Carlie Walker

“Already, people are painting her death as a so-called mercy killing.

“So now is a good time to remind people there is no mercy in murder.

“Janice is the first Australian woman lost to violence this year.

“A reminder that violence impacts women at any age, in any location and regardless of their physical or other care needs.”

Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle on Thursday, Ms Moody said women who had disabilities or were facing illness were especially at risk of violence.

“The apparent murder of Janice Walker is unacceptable on every level,” she said.

“In 2023, my research shows 75 Australian women were lost to acts of violence.

Police at the scene of a complex on the corner of King and Sandy Streets where the bodies of Bryan Monk and Janice Walker were found inside.

“We are barely into 2024 and the erasure of Australian women continues.

“Janice may have lived with a life-limiting condition, but this does not mean her life wasn’t valuable.

“Research shows women with chronic illness and/or disability are at higher risk of violence - often at the hands of carers/loved ones - than women without illness or disability.

“These women are particularly vulnerable and more needs to be done to ensure their safety and lives are not compromised.”

On Wednesday police investigators were at the scene for several hours, while undertakers also arrived in the afternoon.

In a statement, Queensland Police said Detectives from the Maryborough Criminal Investigation Branch and forensic police remained on scene Wednesday and a “post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine cause of death”.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed anything or has any relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If this story has raised issues for you, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800 Respect.

Originally published as Femicide researcher Sherele Moody speaks out on apparent murder of Janice Walker