Ryan Geoffrey Cole: Police seize suspected firearm used in alleged Natalie Frahm shooting death

Police believe they have found the weapon involved in the alleged shooting murder of Mackay mum Natalie Frahm as investigations continue into how her alleged killer had multiple weapons after his licence was revoked.

Police believe they found the weapon used in the shooting death of Natalie Frahm inside the home of murder accused Ryan Cole.

Mackay detectives believe they have found the weapon used in the shooting death of Natalie Frahm inside the home of the alleged gunman.

Detective Acting Superintendent Emma Novosel confirmed three firearms were removed over the weekend from the Robb Place house where Ryan Geoffrey Cole lived.

In an operation named Whiskey Mantle forensic investigation over the course of several days located “various items of interest” as well as three firearms including a “homemade, inoperable, longarm rifle, an air rifle and a .22 pistol”,” Superintendent Novosel said.

Superintendent Novosel said police believe believed the .22 pistol was the alleged murder weapon.

She said the firearms were not concealed and would now undergo forensic testing.

The weapon allegedly used in the shooting death of Natalie Frahm was found at the home of murder accused Ryan Cole on Robb Place. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Ms Frahm, 34, was shot in the head and chest in front of two young girls about 4.30pm June 19 as she sat in her car in her driveway on Robb Place about to take the pair to a sporting event.

The two girls were able to run and get help from James ‘Jimmy’ McGill, 66, who was nearby visiting his 89-year-old mother’s home at the time.

Ryan Cole, 31, is accused of killing his neighbour 34-year-old mum Natalie Frahm as she was parked outside her home.

It is alleged Cole also shot Mr McGill in the chest. He was taken to hospital in a serious condition where he remains recovering.

A three-hour manhunt ensued with police taking Cole, 31, into custody about 7.45pm at the Paget KCF/BP service station.

He is charged with Ms Frahm’s murder and the attempted murder of Mr McGill.

The police investigation revealed there was nothing to suggest Cole and Ms Frahm knew each other before the shooting. The motive for the alleged attack remains unknown.

A gofundme set up for Ms Frahm’s family has reached $22,581 in four days.

The police tape has since been removed from the site, which is no longer a crime scene. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Superintendent Novosel said police made the determination about the alleged murder weapon after speaking with Mr McGill, other eyewitnesses and forensic experts.

“None of the weapons located at that residence are currently nor have they been previously registered,” Superintendent Novosel said.

The tragedy has devastated Mackay with the community left asking why. Picture: Supplied

“Investigations are ongoing into the origin of the pistol.”

Police believe that they have located all of Coles’ firearms, however they will continue investigations into how Mr Cole, who had his firearms licence revoked in 2021, was able to obtain the weapons.

When asked if there had been any checks on Cole after his licence had been revoked to ensure he did not possess any firearms, Det Supt Novosel was unable to comment.

“We would rely on information from members of the community if they were aware that someone who’s unlicensed had possession of the firearms,” she said.

Originally published as Ryan Geoffrey Cole: Police seize suspected firearm used in alleged Natalie Frahm shooting death