GEELONG MAN SHOT DEAD

Friends remember father with ‘the biggest heart’

A GEELONG father was gunned down during a violent home invasion in Queensland yesterday.

Michael Menzel, pictured, was fatally shot in the leg when a group of up to four people broke into the home he shared with his teenage daughter at Gleneagle, southwest of Brisbane, shortly before 6am.

Mr Menzel, who still has family in the Geelong region, died soon after, despite paramedics’ efforts to save him.

Described as “kind hearted”, it is understood Mr Menzel, 48, relocated from Geelong to Queensland several years ago.

A male flatmate aged 40 was hit in the head with a hammer but sustained only minor injuries.

Just what sparked the violence is unclear but investigators are not treating it as a random attack.

A manhunt is now underway for the people behind the shooting — including a possible female accomplice.

The group was seen fleeing the scene in a black, new model, Holden Commodore utility with no registration plates. It was later spotted on the Mount Lindesay Highway.

Family friend Lisa Rielly said she was devastated by the death.

“He had the biggest heart,” she said.

“Michael was a very kindhearted, generous man, he helped my family out through some rough times. From my heart, I’m sorry to his family that this has happened.”

She said Mr Menzel, who previously worked as a chef, and his daughter were “very close”.

“For his daughter I hope she gets justice,” Ms Rielly said, in tears as she spoke.

“And that she knows there are people here that will support her through this.”

A close friend said Mr Menzel was a great father.

“Michael was a dear friend that I will never forget. He was always there if I needed him and cooked the best birthday cakes for everyone who needed one,” she said.

“He was an awesome chef and (was) always working hard as a father … we all love him dearly and are really shocked with this crazy day. Love you, Michael.”

Neighbour Billie Beever said she was shocked to wake up and learn Mr Menzel had been shot dead.

“He was super sweet,” she said. “He was always out walking his three-legged poodle, it was so f---ing cute.”

Another resident said the area was usually quiet.

“Not much usually happens around here, I can’t remember anyone ever been shot or killed,” he said. “There’s a lot of families around here. “It’s sad he died.” Another local resident said cars would often come and go from Mr Menzel’s home.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the vehicle (or who has dashcam footage or CCTV) in the vicinity of Mr Menzel’s Brittany Court home before 6am yesterday to come forward.

Information to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

MICHAEL WAS A VERY KIND-HEARTED, GENEROUS MAN, HE HELPED MY FAMILY OUT THROUGH SOME ROUGH TIMES.”