Police to probe son’s condition
A SON shot and killed his father before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide, police believe.
The Gold Coast Bulletin understands that about 4pm on Wednesday neighbours rushed to the Nancol Dve home in Tallebudgera Valley after they saw smoke.
There are two homes on the one property. The father, aged 63, and son, 26, lived in one of them together.
It is understood the two men were seen alive at that point.
A number of gunshots were fired and the father and son were found dead outside of the home.
The house was completely destroyed by the blaze, with explosions heard emanating from inside the home, where police found gas bottles.
The Bulletin has learnt the son was a licensed weapons holder and it is understood a handgun was used in the fatal incident.
It is also understood the son may have had a raft of mental health issues and police are investigating what, if any, treatment the son may have undergone and will report on that to the coroner.
Neither of the men were known to police.
Post-mortems on the pair were expected to be undertaken yesterday and today.
Investigations into the deaths are still ongoing, with police doorknocking neighbours near the home yesterday to gain an insight into the family dynamic.
A neighbour yesterday told the Bulletin they heard what they thought were gunshots.
“I saw smoke and then heard what sounded like two gunshots and a few more shots after that,” they said.
“It’s pretty concerning. I didn’t know the people who were living in the house. I believe they were renters.”
Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
If you have any information that could assist police with their investigations, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone Lifeline on 131 114.