Businessman Greg Josephson allegedly murdered by teen at Brisbane house party

Up to 30 teenagers were at a Brisbane house party before one of them allegedly murdered the 58-year-old co-founder of a major clothing chain. WHAT WE KNOW

The co-founder of clothing chain Universal Store has been allegedly murdered by a teenager at a house party in Brisbane’s inner north.

Greg Josephson, 58, was found unresponsive in his multimillion-dollar home in the exclusive Brisbane suburb of Clayfield on Thursday night after the stabbing.

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with his murder after the party, which had up to 30 teenagers in attendance.

Police arrested the boy in a street nearby about 8.15pm after he called Triple-0.

It’s understood he had an injury to his hand after the alleged stabbing murder.

The Courier-Mail understands children at the party were taken to the police station and had their phones confiscated as detectives investigated his death.

Mr Josephson founded the Universal Store business with his brother Michael in 1999 and later sold the business to private equity investors in a reported deal worth $100m.

The well-known property and retail entrepreneur amassed a multimillion-dollar property portfolio, which includes the $13.9m Noosa Reef Hotel and a $3.5m group of boutique cottages in Cooran.

He also owned a Noosa hinterland estate, purchased for $5m in 2020, and $6.5m of properties on Eumundi Noosa Rd, Doonan, where he owned Cafe Doonan.

The boy was taken to hospital after Mr Josephson’s death, with a video link to the appearance at Brisbane Children’s Court on Friday morning not required, Legal Aid duty lawyer Peta Dent said.

Police at the home where a 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder over the death of a 58-year-old man in Brisbane's north on Thursday night. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Ms Dent requested an adjournment for a brief of evidence to be disclosed to the defence.

The court had heard earlier in the proceedings that private lawyers were in talks to appear on the boy’s behalf as friend of the court.

However, Ms Dent said she had taken a Legal Aid application from him.

Premier David Crisafulli on Friday declined to comment on whether the teenager would be the first to be tried for murder under the government’s ‘adult crime, adult time’ policy.

“I’m just mindful at the moment … a family’s lost someone in recent hours,” he said.

“I might reserve my comments on that particular (issue). We’ll let the courts do their job.”

Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Williams on Friday said police had located the weapon they will allege was used in the murder.

A beer bottle out the front of the Clayfield house. Photo Steve Pohlner

“I can confirm that there was a party underway at the house with a number of young persons at the house,” he said.

“As for what had occurred prior to the incident, it is still under investigation.”

Supt Williams said no other people were taken into custody and some teens spoke to police and were picked up by their parents at the police station.

“At this stage the initial investigations indicate that no other persons were involved other than the 15-year-old boy who was taken into custody,” he said.

“It’s very early days and understanding exactly why it has occurred and what has happened, the investigation is still under way.” Supt Williams wouldn’t comment on the man’s injuries.

The teen had a minor injury, he said, but would not comment further.

Mr Josephson was previously a leasing executive for Westfield, Lend Lease and Jones Lang LaSalle.

Greg Josephson with his wife

He attended St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace where he was a talented rugby player.

St Joseph’s Terrace principal Dr Michael Carroll on Friday sent a message to families.

“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the death of a member of our St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace community,” the message said.

“You may have seen media coverage this morning relating to the death of a man in Clayfield last night. Out of respect for his family, we cannot provide further details at this stage.

“We express our sincere condolences to the man’s family.

“This is a tragic incident that will impact members of our College community.

“Since we became aware of this news, we have endeavoured to contact members of our community.

“The college will offer those people any support that we can provide.

“We extend that offer to anyone within our college community who may be seeking assistance including the opportunity to speak with a counsellor.

Greg Josephson.

“The man’s death is currently the subject of a police investigation. Therefore, we will ensure that any commentary that we make as a college does not impact the investigation.”

Shocked friends described Mr Josephson as “a gentle soul”.

“He was an amazing person, and we just can’t believe this has happened, it’s absolutely horrific,” one friend told The Courier-Mail.

Another friend said the man was very well-connected in his local area and a popular resident.

“This is going to affect so many families who were close to him,” he said.

Magistrate Megan Power ordered a brief of evidence be provided to the defence by August 22.

The matter was adjourned to September 2, and the boy was remanded in custody.

Originally published as Businessman Greg Josephson allegedly murdered by teen at Brisbane house party