2023 murders in Rockhampton, Australia
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.
Cox, 31, allegedly left work early before returning to their family home in Park Avenue and committing the murders that afternoon. 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. 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.
Tayla was the 43rd Australian woman killed in 2023 and Murphy was the 10th Australian child killed in 2023.
As of February 2024, Cox has been charged with two counts of murder, is currently incarcerated and awaiting trial. His case has been adjourned to March 6, 2024, pending DNA evidence.
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