Parrearra homicide investigation: Man found dead, another assisting police

New details in what happened in the lead up to a Sunshine Coast man being found dead at a unit complex have emerged, as neighbours recount the horrific afternoon and police continue to investigate. PHOTOS, VIDEO

New details have emerged in a neighbourly dispute gone wrong at a Sunshine Coast social housing complex as police continue to probe an alleged homicide.

Investigations are continuing after a man was found dead at the Rendu Lodge complex on Nicklin Way, Parrearra on Thursday, January 18.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 2.30pm to reports a man had been injured, where they found a 53-year-old Parrearra man unresponsive.

A crime scene has been established at a Sunshine Coast unit complex after a man was found dead. Photo: Iwan Jones

He died at the scene despite efforts to revive him.

The unit was declared a crime scene as police probed the events leading up to the man’s death.

As of Saturday, January 20, police still had not laid any charges, however a QPS spokesman said they were investigating, speaking with witnesses, and there was no longer an active crime scene at the units.

‘PUNCHES WERE THROWN’ AFTER ROW

Detective Acting Inspector Craig Mansfield said early investigations suggested the 53-year-old man died following an alleged fist fight.

“What we’ve established at this point in time is that two males have had a fist fight and one of those males has died shortly thereafter,” he said.

“We know there was a physical assault where punches were thrown.

“We’re just working through the process of evidence gathering at this point in time to secure enough evidence to bring charges.”

Detective Acting Inspector Craig Mansfield believes a physical altercation occurred between the two man. Picture: Iwan Jones

Acting Inspector Mansfield said the two men were neighbours and knew each other.

“There seems to be some animosity between the two males, we are still trying to iron out those facts,” he said.

It is understood that the Rendu Lodge unit complex is a social housing area operated by St Vincent De Paul.

A St Vincent De Paul spokesman said the organisation was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the incident.

“We are assisting police with their investigation and providing support to other residents and our team during this difficult time,” he said.

‘IT IS BAD TO BE HONEST, SCARY’

A neighbour said it is “pretty usual” to see police at the complex, but was surprised to hear that a man died there yesterday afternoon.

“I saw a heap of cop cars, there was a quick response from them,” the man said.

“It is pretty usual for that place, people struggle, they deserve a place to go, but I think the place gets abused a bit.

“It is bad to be honest, it’s scary.”

Another neighbour said he heard an argument happening at the complex around the time of the incident.

“I did hear a blue going on over there yesterday afternoon,” the man said.

“We heard the sirens, but coppas are there all the time, it’s just a trouble pot.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’d be glad to see the place closed down, it’s been nothing but a f--king pain in the ass ever since we’ve been here.”

A 55-year-old Parrearra man was arrested on Thursday afternoon and is assisting police with their inquiries.

A man was found dead in a unit complex at Parrearra – between Mooloolaba and Caloundra – on Thursday afternoon.

It is understood the two men knew each other, but were not related.

No charges have been laid.

A post-mortem into the 53-year-old man’s death has been arranged for tomorrow morning.

Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward, and anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Originally published as Parrearra homicide investigation: Man found dead, another assisting police