Margaret River murder-suicide: Seven people found dead at home near WA holiday town
Updated
Seven people, including four children and three adults, have been found dead at a home near Margaret River in Western Australia's South West.
Key points:
- Police were tipped-off by a man connected to the property
- Two adults were found outside the home, five bodies inside it, including four children
- It is the worst mass shooting in Australia since Port Arthur in 1996
Police have confirmed they are treating the deaths as a murder-suicide.
The situation is the worst mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, in which 35 people died and another 23 were seriously injured.
Phone tip-off to police
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said officers were called to the rural property in Osmington, about 20 kilometres north-east of Margaret River, about 5:15am today.
Two adults were found outside the house and the other five bodies were discovered inside.
Two firearms were found at the scene.
"It appears that gunshot wounds are there, but I don't want to go further than that as two firearms have been located," Commissioner Dawson said.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
Detectives from the Homicide Squad and Forensic Crime Scene Unit have travelled to the scene as part of the investigation.
Commissioner Dawson announced the discovery at a media conference in Perth, describing the deaths as a "horrific incident".
He said a "male person" connected to the property had phoned police just after 5:00am, and officers arrived at the scene shortly afterwards.
"The loss of any life is tragic, but four children and three adults, this is a significant tragedy," he said.
"This will be a very large-scale and detailed investigation."
Commissioner Dawson said the phone call to police had been recorded but he would not reveal any more details about it.
Photo:
Police say they expect to remain at the property for "an extended period of time". (ABC News)
He said the people found dead all appeared to be residents of the property, and police were still trying to locate next of kin.
Commissioner Dawson said police were not looking for a suspect.
"We don't have any information to raise further public concern about that element," he said.
Worst mass shooting in 20 years
Prior to this incident, the worst mass shooting — defined as a shooting involving five or more victims — since Port Arthur involved a man killing himself and four members of his family on a rural New South Wales property in Lockhart in 2014.
Australia's worst modern mass shootings
| Date | Location and state | Total victims (including shooter) |
|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2018 | Osmington, WA | 7 |
| September 9, 2014 | Lockhart, NSW | 5 |
| April 28, 1996 | Port Arthur, Tas | 35 |
| January 25, 1996 | Hillcrest, Qld | 7 |
| March 31, 1993 | Cangai, NSW | 6 |
| October 27, 1992 | Terrigal, NSW | 6 |
| August 17, 1991 | Strathfield, NSW | 7 |
| August 30, 1990 | Surry Hills, NSW | 5 |
| September 25, 1988 | Oenpelli, NT | 6 |
| December 8, 1987 | Queen Street, Vic | 9 |
| October 10, 1987 | Canley Vale, NSW | 6 |
| August 9, 1987 | Hoddle Street, Vic | 7 |
| June 19, 1987 | Top End, NT/WA | 6 |
| June 1, 1984 | Wahroonga, NSW | 6 |
| September 24, 1981 | Campsie, NSW | 6 |
*Mass shooting defined as having five or more victims
Mass shooting expert Glynn Greensmith said these incidents have become incredibly rare in Australia.
"We have been lucky that all forms of gun-related deaths have reduced dramatically since we took that step of having less guns," said Mr Greensmith, who is studying a PhD in mass shootings at Edith Cowan University.
"But there are as many guns now in Australia as there were at the time of the Port Arthur massacre."
Victims were a 'much-loved family'
The ages of the children and adults have not been revealed.
Federal MP for Vasse Libby Mettam, whose seat incorporates Margaret River, said the deaths had already sent "significant shockwaves" through the town, and the community was hurting.
"This is a much-loved family, a big part of the Margaret River community," she said.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that will be affected by this tragedy, including those first responders."
Former local councillor Felicity Haynes, who lives on a neighbouring property, said the family involved were "caring neighbours".
"They were just such lovely people," she said.
"They were a very socially-aware family, doing their best to create a safe community, and that is why it is so shocking to think that could be destroyed so quickly."
Dr Haynes said the family had moved to the house about three years earlier to start a farm, having earlier lived in Margaret River.
Another nearby resident, Freya Cheffers, said she was in shock.
"Everybody's just devastated … I just prayed that I didn't know the family, as it turns out I kind of do."
Tragedy to have 'lasting impact'
Police said they were expecting to remain at the property for "an extended period of time".
"We are trying to locate other members of the family and friends," Commissioner Dawson said.
"This devastating tragedy will no doubt have a lasting impact on the families concerned, the whole community and in particular, the local communities in our South West."
Margaret River is a small town about 270 kilometres south of Perth, and the surrounding region is well-known for its beaches, wineries and craft breweries. It is world-famous as a surfing destination, hosting an annual event of the World Surf League — the Margaret River Pro.
It is a popular holiday destination among both West Australians and international tourists, with thousands of visitors flocking to the area every year.
Augusta-Margaret River shire president Pamela Townshend said the tragedy would send shockwaves throughout the small community.
"It really hits hard, because everybody has links with that family in one way or another, so it will have a ripple effect right through our community," she said.
"The good thing about a small community is that we all mobilise to support people who are in terrible distress, and there will be a huge community response … to support people affected directly and indirectly by this.
"My heart goes out to them and we will certainly provide as much support as we possibly can."
Anyone with information regarding the deaths, or who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Osmington area this morning, has been urged to call Crime Stoppers.
Topics: police, crime, law-crime-and-justice, murder-and-manslaughter, perth-6000, wa, margaret-river-6285, osmington-6285
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