TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about suicide, which may be triggering to some.
Police in Queensland, Australia, are looking for answers after a mother and her young daughter died in a suspected murder-suicide. Minimal details exist about the woman and what may have led her to kill her daughter and herself, but police are continuing to investigate, hoping to uncover any clues that may have been left. All they know right now is that the pair was staying in a luxury Airbnb rental at the time of their deaths. Until they turned up dead, everything seemed to be totally fine.
Queensland Police shared a news release about the incident, which took place on September 29, 2025. They explained that they were called to the home at 12:43 p.m. for a “welfare check.”
“Upon arrival, police located a 54-year-old Norman Park woman and an 8-year-old girl, who were known to each other, deceased,” police wrote, adding that a crime scene had been declared. “There is no ongoing threat to the public,” the news release assured.
Police stated that an investigation was underway. Details about cause or manner of death have not been shared.
Sky News Australia reported that the welfare check was requested after the mother allegedly sent a delayed email with the details of what she planned to do to someone she knows.
According to a report from 7 News, the mother has been identified as a “prominent anaesthetist” who worked in multiple hospitals. She was renting a luxury Airbnb for her and her daughter that went for approximately $1,000 per night. The trip was allegedly booked a few months ago.
Authorities are treating the incident as a suspected murder-suicide.
As the house continues to be considered a crime scene, the Airbnb listing has been removed. The family who owns the property shared they were “deeply saddened by the circumstances” of what happened in their home, per 7 News.
CCTV footage obtained by 7 News showed the mother taking out the garbage cans less than 24 hours before she and her daughter ended up dead.
People who live in the neighborhood spoke with Australia’s ABC News about how shocked they were to learn of the crime. Andrew Offen called the neighborhood “communal” and “friendly,” saying that most people on the street have lived there for “10 years plus.” He described the area as “a perfect place to live.”
Dirk Vandenbroucke, a neighbor who has lived in the area for 27 years, told ABC News that he didn’t even know the property was being used as an Airbnb. He claimed he didn’t hear much of anything “until there was a lot of activity in the street.” He added, “Then we were told something serious happened.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli called the deaths “distressing for everyone, especially the first responders who had to see something that no one should ever have to,” 7 News reported.
Police are asking that anyone with more information or footage step forward to help the investigation.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
