Qld: Police launch Mt Isa murder investigation

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2009
Qld: Police launch Mt Isa murder investigation

By Angela Harper

BRISBANE, Aug 18 AAP - Police have launched a murder investigation after an attack
on an elderly couple in northwest Queensland left a man dead and his wife gravely injured.

The couple's daughter called police after discovering her 82-year-old father dead and
her 71-year-old mother badly injured at their home in Pelican Road, Mount Isa, about 9am
(AEST) on Monday.

It is understood the daughter at first thought her mother, who had lain with serious
head injuries next to her husband's body for several days, was also dead.

The woman is in a serious condition and remains in an induced coma in intensive care
in Mount Isa Base Hospital.

More than 30 police, including officers sent from Townsville and the homicide squad
in Brisbane, are conducting a doorknock as part of the huge investigation.

Inspector Paul Biggin, who is leading the police team, would not reveal how the man died.

"We are in a very critical part of the investigation and we need to ensure ... that
information remains only with the offender," Insp Biggin told AAP.

He said the injured woman is a vital link in the police inquiry as she may have seen
and spoken to the perpetrator.

"Due to the nature of her injuries it still may be some time before she can talk to
investigators," he said.

It is understood the couple had lived at the address for about 30 years.

Police are asking for public assistance as the investigation continues.

AAP ahe/pjo/jhp

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