CHARLEVILLE is in shock after a suspected murder suicide.
Police were called to a residence in King Street, close to The Big Tree, around 6pm on Wednesday amid reports of a serious assault.
What followed was a massive police operation, resulting in specialist officers being flown in from Brisbane as a siege-like situation developed.
A special emergency response team had also been dispatched from Brisbane by road but by 1.45am today, the emergency was officially over.
Police had come across the bodies of 23-year-old woman Julia Brunsdon, who was reportedly pregnant, and 45-year-old man Michael Waltke.
There was also a little girl involved but luckily for the toddler, apparently covered in blood, she was rescued by a police officer.
The child was taken to Charleville Hospital where she was treated for a minor leg injury.
Back at the crime scene tonight, forensics were seen working under portable floodlights as they try to piece together what actually happened.
Assistant Police Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl has praised his yet-to-be-named colleague who had potentially risked his life.
“At that address, they were confronted with what was clearly quite a violent crime scene,” he told a press conference today.
“There were suggestions of further weapons being involved.”
Murweh Shire Mayor ‘Zoro’ Radnedge has extended his condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.
“We know that our community is devastated,” said Cr Radnedge, who spoke about the matter in a special video, posted on Facebook.
Kylie Hutchinson from Lifeline Darling Downs & South West Queensland says local counselling services in Charleville can be easily accessed.
“Having an anonymous person to talk to after an event like this….is really important,” she told Costo’s drive show today on 4RR-FM.
The QPS Ethical Standards Command has launched an investigation and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.
If you need help, please call LIFELINE on 13 11 14.
PHOTO: Ambos and firies, just after 7pm on Wednesday at the intersection of King and West Streets in Charleville.
POSTED: Thursday, August 6, 2026