Murder-accused behind bars after deaths of wife, baby in Rockhampton
A double murder accused has been remanded in custody over the deaths of a mother and baby whose bodies were found in a central Queensland home.
WARNING: Some readers may find content in this story distressing.
Matthew James Cox was arrested after walking into a Brisbane police station on Thursday, allegedly telling police his wife and her 11-week-old daughter were dead at the property hundreds of kilometres away in Rockhampton.
Cox, 31, did not appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court when his matter was mentioned briefly on Friday.
He was unable to apply for bail due to the serious nature of the charges.
Cox is able to appear by video when his matter is mentioned again in the same court on August 21.
Police suspect Tayla Cox, 30, and baby Murphy Margaret Cox died on Tuesday, with Cox allegedly flying from Rockhampton to Brisbane that evening.
There was no history of domestic violence in the relationship and Cox and his wife were not known to police, Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow said on Thursday.
Officers discovered the bodies in a “quite confronting” scene at the property and weren’t looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths, he said.
When asked whether it was a mental health-related incident, Shadlow said it “will obviously form part of our investigations”.
Shadlow ruled out reports a gunshot had been heard at the address but would not comment on how the mother and baby died other than to say police came across “quite a confronting scene”.
“A deceased infant child is always confronting for first responders,” he said.
The mother’s family had been notified, “and as you’d expect, they’re devastated”, Shadlow said.
Cox’s family provided the following statement to 9News on Thursday night.
“The family are devastated by the news today that we have not only lost a beautiful daughter-in-law Tayla but also our much loved granddaughter Murphy,” parents Denis Cox and Linda Lind said.
“At this stage, we have very few other details and are in an absolute state of shock.
“We ask that the media respect our privacy while we grieve and try and process what has occurred.”
Police will remain at the scene for days.
Cox’s vehicle was seized at the Rockhampton airport for forensic examination.
“We have scientific and forensic officers currently at the scene … they will be there for some time examining the scene and the investigations will be ongoing,” Shadlow said.
A crime scene was also established at an apartment in Fortitude Valley where police believe Cox was staying.
Cox is a TV account manager with Southern Cross Austereo and Tayla was on maternity leave.
The couple welcomed their child Murphy Margaret in June.
Neighbours were left shocked by the incident.
“I feel sick to my stomach. They’re one of your generic, lovely families,” a neighbour said.
– Reported with AAP
