Police have charged a 55-year-old man with murder and fraud after the death of a woman in Joyner on November 27, 2020.
The man and a 54-year-old Warner woman, who were known to each other, were kayaking on Lake Samsonvale near Forgan Cove when the woman reportedly fell into the water and drowned.
Once back to shore, witnesses and emergency services performed CPR but were unable to revive the woman and she was declared deceased at the scene.
Initially the woman's death appeared to be a non-suspicious, however after protracted Coronial investigations, detectives from the Petrie Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) declared the death as suspicious.
A complex and lengthy investigation was established under Operation Victor Harlow, through which detectives gathered expert statements, including about the conditions of the lake at the time of the woman's death, and information from witnesses.
The investigations culminated in the arrest of a 55-year-old man yesterday, May 4, during a visit to Brisbane from his current residential address in Thailand.
Police will allege the man was involved in the drowning death of the woman.
The 55-year-old man has been charged with one count each of murder (domestic violence), fraud and attempted fraud.
He was refused police bail and is due to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court today, May 5.
Moreton District Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor said police left no stone unturned.
"Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation," Detective Acting Inspector Windsor said.
"Through their tenacious work, we have justice for the woman who tragically died that day as well as her family.
"This is also an important reminder to the community to report any suspicious circumstances to police as you see them. Even if they seem insignificant, they may be an important piece to the puzzle in an investigation.
"Police will always investigate serious matters thoroughly, no matter how long they may take."
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
