KILLING ON PALM
A PALM Island man who allegedly killed his father by stabbing him in the neck will face Townsville Magistrates Court today.
Nathaniel James Murray, 19, is accused of mur- dering his father, Roy Murray, 52, by stabbing him with what is believed to be a pair of scissors.
Police will allege the pair got into a violent fight about 4pm on New Year’s Day at a family gathering on an acreage property on Farm Rd, Palm Island.
Acting Detective Inspector Leonie Steyger said police were the first at the scene and were able to keep Roy Murray alive until paramedics arrived.
He was transported to Townsville Hospital for emergency surgery but died about 8pm.
Nathaniel Murray was arrested nearby.
A PALM Island man who allegedly killed his father by stabbing him in the neck will face Townsville Magistrates Court today.
Nathaniel James Murray, 19, is accused of murdering his father, Roy Murray, 52, by stabbing him with what is believed to be a pair of scissors.
Police will allege the father and son got into a violent fight about 4pm on New Year’s Day at a family gathering on an acreage property on Farm Rd, Palm Island.
Acting detective Inspector Leonie Steyger said police were the first emergency services to the scene and managed to keep Roy Murray alive until paramedics arrived.
The man was transported to Townsville Hospital for emergency surgery but died about 8pm.
Insp Steyger said the suspect had run away from the alleged murder scene, which was outside on grassland at the property, before police arrived but was arrested nearby.
Police have not yet found the weapon that inflicted the wounds.
“We believe the murder weapon may be a pair of scissors,” Insp Steyger said.
“Detectives were transported to the island last night along with scenes of crime officers.
“They are conducting searches for the implement or weapon used.
“We have quite an extensive area to search.”
The Townsville Bulletin understands a pair of scissors was discovered late yesterday afternoon but police investigators have not indicated whether they believe it to be the murder weapon.
Insp Steyger said police would in- vestigate whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the incident.
She said witnesses, mainly family members of the deceased and accused, were co- operating with police.
“Any investigation where family or close associates are involved does make it very emotive and difficult but all witnesses and family members are being quite co- operative at this time,” she said.
“Obviously they are quite devastated by the incident.
“They’ve lost a father, husband, and also have their son or brother who may be responsible for that, so they are quite emotional and upset at this time.”
Insp Steyger said the address where the alleged murder occurred was known to police.
She praised the work of emergency services, who responded quickly to such a “severe” incident.
Insp Steyger said the alleged murder had been a tragic and devastating start to 2018.
Townsville had no recorded murders in 2017.
ANY INVESTIGATION WHERE FAMILY OR CLOSE ASSOCIATES ARE INVOLVED DOES MAKE IT VERY EMOTIVE AND DIFFICULT BUT ALL WITNESSES AND FAMILY MEMBERS ARE BEING QUITE CO- OPERATIVE ACTING DETECTIVE INSPECTOR LEONIE STEYGER