SHE WAS FOUND ALIVE… BUT POLICE HAVE NOW CONFIRMED WHO THE BL00D-COVERED LITTLE GIRL REALLY WAS — DEVASTATING CHARLEVILLE HOME TRAGEDY TAKES ANOTHER HEARTBREAKING TURN
A bloodied and distressed toddler who was rescued from the scene of a suspected murder-suicide in Queensland’s south-west was scooped up and comforted by a police officer.
The hours-long standoff occurred at a home in Charleville on Wednesday evening, with the surrounding area being locked down.
Julia Brunsdon (left) and Michael Waltke (right) were found dead in the Charleville property. Supplied
The lockdown notice was lifted at 1.42am on Thursday and police confirmed they had found two bodies, later identified as Michael Waltke, 45, and Julia Brunsdon, 23.
Queensland Police’s Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl on Friday afternoon confirmed Brunsdon was pregnant and in a domestic relationship with Waltke.
He said a second-year constable had rescued the 18-month-old girl from an “incredibly confronting, traumatic and tragic” scene.
“He scooped that child up and the child was distressed,” Vanderbyl said.
A Billionaire’s Reading List: 5 Books Cuban Says Everyone Should KnowBlinkist
Check Out Our Recommendations Curated Just for YouDiscoveryfeed
“He’s taken that child outside and when the police withdrew because of the danger they were facing.
“That police officer took that distressed and did what anybody who has young children or knows young children would do.
“(He) just held that child against his chest and turned away from the scene of danger and from the bright lights and from what was going on.
“(He) just held that child, and held that child, and held that child until she calmed.
“Anyone who is a parent or an uncle or an aunt or a grandparent [wouldn’t] look at that footage and not be moved.
“You have to feel for that child who has seen what I suspect that she has seen.”
No police and no other members of the community were injured, however Vanderbyl said police appeared to be in “grave danger” when “threats were made around a firearm”.
The man and pregnant woman were found dead in a house after an hours-long lockdown in Charleville, Queensland. 9News
“It was at that point that police, quite rightly in my view, chose to tactically withdraw from that situation,” he said.
“I have viewed the footage, and I can tell you that they were in what I would consider was grave danger and well and truly within the sight of harm potentially, with the way things transpired, quite likely.”
Police are working to confirm whether firearms were involved.
Forensic officers and other specialist technicians from Brisbane arrived at the scene on Thursday night.
Vanderbyl said the distance from Brisbane added a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl said it was heartbreaking for the toddler to go through something like that. Today
He earlier told Today the girl had come into view shortly after police had initially withdrawn from the house due to threats of a firearm being used against them.
“Just shortly after they have withdrawn, I’m advised that a toddler, an 18-month [old] little girl had walked out towards the front door, was clearly in distress,” he said on Friday.
Advertisement
“One of our police broke from cover, as I understand it, to rescue that little girl and bring her to safety.”
The toddler was taken to hospital, but it has been confirmed she did not suffer any major injuries other than a small scratch.
“I’m pleased to say she is safe and well, other than a minor scratch to her body, she is okay,” Vanderbyl said, noting he was aware of the trauma the tragic incident may have on the girl.
“Your heart does go out to that little girl, her life has changed in an instant, forever, as have the lives of many others from these tragic, tragic events,” he said.
Vanderbyl confirmed Queensland Police’s child safety department was working with her family to ensure the toddler will have safe, long-term accommodation.
The matter will be investigated by the Ethical Standards Command, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Advertisement
Police were forced to retreat and negotiators called in as the stand-off unfolded. Nine
Community in mourning
Murweh Shire Council mayor Shaun Radnedge said in a statement it was a “heartbreaking day” for the Charleville community.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of our councillors and staff, are with the families, friends, and everyone affected by the deaths of a man and a woman at a Charleville residence overnight,” he said.
“Based on the information to date, I want to reassure our community that there is no ongoing risk to the public.”
He thanked police and emergency services personnel for their dedication to community safety.
Police had earlier declared a public safety zone around the area. Queensland Police
“This tragedy will be deeply felt across our small community,” Radnedge said.
Advertisement
“I know many people will be struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
“As a community, we really need to band together, not just now, but over the next few days, and keep that support coming, especially for that little toddler in our community.”
He urged people to reach out to family, friends, or support services.
Vanderbyl thanked the “very strong, cohesive community” of Charleville.
“Can I just pass on to the community of Charleville our deepest thanks as an organisation for the absolute demonstration and outpouring of support that the community of Charleville have shown for the police and for others involved,” he said.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).
SOURCE: https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/qld/two-bodies-found-in-rural-queensland-home-after-hours-long-stand-off-20260806-p60lu7.html
