Vanessa Godfrey’s family speak for first time after alleged murder

The family of alleged murder victim Vanessa Godfrey are searching for answers after the 46-year-old Burpengary woman was found dead in a Pelican Waters resort room.

The family of alleged murder victim Vanessa Godfrey say they are still piecing together the tragic circumstances which led to the death of the 46-year-old Burpengary woman.

Sunshine Coast detectives charged Bli Bli man Jeffrey James Godfrey, 50, with murder after the body of Ms Godfrey was found inside a Pelican Waters Resort room about 3.35pm on Monday.

Jeffrey James Godfrey. Picture: Facebook

During his brief mention in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Mr Godfrey’s domestic violence murder matter was adjourned to May 6 for committal mention, with no application for bail made.

Family members of Ms Godfrey came to court only to be told by police prosecutor Lee Allen that Mr Godfrey’s matter had been adjourned.

When approached outside Maroochydore Magistrates Court Olivia Godfrey said police had not revealed any further details of her mum’s alleged murder.

Ms Godfrey told the Sunshine Coast Daily that those close to her mum had been told of her tragic death in Pelican Waters this morning.

Vanessa Godfrey. Picture: Facebook

She said her family was “not sure how to feel” at this time following Ms Godfrey’s passing.

A resident in the resort, who asked to not be named, said the couple had been holed up in their room on the fourth floor for two days since they’d checked in.

Neighbours said they heard people arguing and partying for two days in the room and at one stage they were singing love songs loudly to each other.

50 year old man from Bli Bli has been charged with murder after the body of a 46 year old woman was found in a room at the Pelican Waters Golf Resort and Spa. Picture: Brad Fleet

Detective Inspector Dave Drinnen said the pair had failed to check out on Monday morning after staying at the resort for a social function over the weekend prompting a staff member to conduct a welfare check.

“When they undertook that, they found a female deceased on the bed in the room and there was another unconscious male in the room,” Detective Inspector Dave Drinnen said.

“It was physically obvious she was deceased, she was covered in blood and there were some wounds on her arm.”

Detective Inspector Dave Drinnen at a press conference regarding the murder of Vanessa Godfrey. Picture: Aisling Brennan

Ms Godfrey is legally married to her accused killer however had been living at a separate address.

The pair have children and at least one grandchild together.

Ms Godfrey would refer to the youngster as “Nanny’s Bubba.”

Vanessa Godfrey's daughter Olivia. Picture: Facebook

In 2019 Ms Godfrey posted online to wish her husband, who has now been charged with her murder, a happy 24th wedding anniversary.

The romantic post revealed the couple met when Ms Godfrey was just 17.

“To the absolute love of my life, when I met you at 17yrs old I couldn’t have imagined the life we would create and build together,” she wrote on Facebook alongside a wedding photo of the pair.

A photo from the scene in Pelican Waters. Picture: Brad Fleet

“You are my best friend, my lover, my companion and my drinking buddy.

“I am so grateful to be sharing my life with you. I love you more than these words and life itself my beautiful hubby.”

Originally published as Vanessa Godfrey’s family speak for first time after alleged murder