Granddad suspected in killings
Western Australia police have confirmed three guns found at the Margaret River property where an entire family was found dead belonged to the property owner, Peter Miles.
The guns were all found at the property where Cynda, 58, and Peter Miles, 61, were believed to have died at their farm in Osmington.
Their daughter Katrina, 35, and her four autistic children — Taye, 13, Rylan, 11, Arye, 10, and Kadyn Cockman, 8 — were found dead in a shed that had been converted into living quarters on the farm named Forever Dreaming.
WA Police commissioner
Chris Dawson said a forensic investigation at the property was continuing and that all seven deceased had gun- shot wounds.
“We’re treating this as a matter in which clearly six persons are the subject of a homicide. A seventh person is deceased. It is far too premature to come to any conclusive statement about that.”
Dawson would not confirm reports that Miles — the husband, father and grandfather of those killed — had called police around 5.15am.
Within hours of the tragedy, police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the shootings. Dawson said the incident was one of the worst the force would ever have to deal with.
“The loss of any life is tragic, but four children and three adults, this is a significant tragedy,” he said. “This devastating incident will no doubt have a lasting impact . . . these tragedies take their toll on everybody.”
It is understood the children’s father, Aaron Cockman, and Katrina had been involved in an acrimonious split, which led to her and the children moving in with her parents. It is not suggested Cockman had any involvement in the shootings.
— news.com.au