Grandfather accused over Australian family killings

THE father of four children killed in a family mass murder and suicide case that rocked Australia said yesterday that their grandfather was to blame.

Aaron Cockman’s children – three boys and a girl aged eight to 13 – were among seven people found dead by police on a rural property in the small town of Osmington near the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia on Thursday.

The bodies of their mother Katrina Miles, 35, and grandparents Peter and Cynda Miles were also found at the property. Mr Cockman, who told reporters in Margaret River he was estranged from Katrina, said it was a planned shooting. “Peter didn’t snap,” he said. “I think he thought this through. I think he’s been thinking this through for a long time.”

Police have yet to confirm which family member was the killer but said they were not searching for any suspects. Three firearms licensed to Peter Miles were found by investigators.

Mr Cockman said that after feeling “so much anger” during legal struggles over custody of his children, such feelings had vanished. He said: “I don’t feel angry. I feel tremendous sadness for my kids.” Investigators have not revealed the motive for the deaths, but Mr Cockman said he had enjoyed a close relationship with Katrina’s parents.

“(Peter) was like my best friend and I still love who he was, but his attitude… there are some people you just don’t get on the wrong side of… and that’s Peter and Cynda,” Mr Cockman added.