On 8 August 2023, Tayla Black and Murphy Margaret were allegedly murdered in their home in Park Avenue, a suburb of Rockhampton in Queensland, Australia by Matthew James Cox.[1]
Cox, 31, allegedly left work early before returning to their family home in Park Avenue and committing the murders that afternoon.[2] He then fled Rockhampton after the attacks and waited two days to tell Brisbane police about the crimes. Rockhampton Police found the bodies of 30-year-old Tayla and 11-week-old Murphy on 10 August 2023.[3] On the same day that officers made the discovery, Cox's vehicle was seized at the Rockhampton airport for forensic investigation.
Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow of Rockhampton Police denied reports of a gunshot being heard from the residence on the day of the murders, however he would not comment on how the mother and infant were killed.[4]
Tayla was the 43rd Australian woman killed in 2023 and Murphy was the 10th Australian child killed in 2023.[5]
As of February 2024, Cox has been charged with two counts of murder, is currently incarcerated and awaiting trial.[6] His case has been adjourned to March 6, 2024, pending DNA evidence.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Rockhampton update: Murder-accused behind bars after deaths of wife, baby". amp.9news.com.au. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ Stokes, Aden (24 January 2024). "Alleged murderer Matthew James Cox has matters heard in Rockhampton court". Courier Mail.
- ^ Crouch, Cheryl Goodenough and John (2023-08-11). "Murder-accused behind bars after deaths of wife, baby in Rockhampton". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ "Rockhampton man charged with murder of wife and baby sought mental health treatment a year ago, minister says | Queensland | The Guardian". amp.theguardian.com. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
- ^ "Parents of alleged wife and baby killer speak out as shocked tributes flow". Yahoo News. 2023-08-11. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ Stokes, Aden (24 January 2024). "Alleged murderer Matthew James Cox has matters heard in Rockhampton court". Courier Mail.