Bodies found in stormwater drain treated as deaths in custody
The discovery of the bodies of two men in a Townsville stormwater drain is being treated as deaths in custody while the Ethical Standards Command investigates for the state coroner.
Police were searching for the two men, aged 21 and 23, reported missing in Townsville in a flooded area after they had not been seen since Monday morning, prompting a water and land search.
A water and land search for the men was sparked and the pair were found lifeless near Aitkenvale Park about 12pm on Tuesday.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service chief executive officer Shane Duffy said the tragic loss of the young men were being treated as deaths in custody but the status could change.
"We understand an internal police probe by the Ethical Standards Command into the actions of officers involved in the pursuit of the victims will be overseen by the state’s Crime and Misconduct Commission and a report will be prepared for the state coroner," he said.
"The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) Ltd employ specialised legal staff who will pursue justice and provide culturally sensitive legal assistance and support to families in relation to death/s in custody, death/s in care, or any type of death, which is reported to the Office of the State Coroner."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this extremely difficult time."
In a statement on Tuesday, police said the Ethical Standards Command would investigate the matter for the state coroner, with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.