A pregnant woman and her partner, who was twice her age, were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide following a seven-hour siege at a home in Charleville, Queensland. Julia Brunsdon, 23, and Michael Waltke, 45, were discovered by police early Thursday morning.
The couple had relocated approximately 800km west of Brisbane to Charleville. Property records indicate they purchased the King Street home they occupied together about two years prior. Brunsdon had recently posted on a pet agency's page seeking to rehome a German Shepherd, mentioning their "new house" and desire for a "loyal and protective companion."
Police were first called to the residence around 5 p.m. on Wednesday following reports of a serious assault. Upon arrival, officers were met with a violent scene, prompting a tactical withdrawal for their safety due to potential weapons. During this time, a toddler was found at the front of the home and was safely removed by an officer. The child, who appeared to be of walking age, sustained a minor leg wound and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
Specialist police and negotiators were engaged as the situation escalated. Streets surrounding the home were locked down for approximately seven hours, with residents instructed to remain indoors. The siege concluded around 1:42 a.m. when the bodies of Brunsdon and Waltke were found.
It is understood that Waltke and Brunsdon's relative, Rob Brunsdon, co-founded two businesses in Bundaberg in 2022: M.R ABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES, a disability support service, and Universal Support Coordination. Julia Brunsdon also worked as a community support worker at M.R ABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES. While it remains unclear when Waltke's involvement with these businesses ceased, his withdrawal appears to coincide with the couple's decision to move to Charleville. There were no prior reports of domestic violence involving the couple, according to authorities.
Murweh Mayor Shaun Radnedge described the incident as "heartbreaking" for the close-knit Charleville community. Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl stated that the event would have a tragic impact on the community and the families of the deceased, emphasizing that the young child's survival was a critical outcome.