On 8 August 2023, Tayla Cox and Murphy Margaret Cox were allegedly murdered in their home in Park Avenue, a suburb of RockhamptoninQueensland, Australia by Matthew James Cox.[1]
Cox, 31, allegedly left work early before returning to their family home in Park Avenue and committing the murders that afternoon.[2] He then fled Rockhampton after the attacks and waited two days to tell Brisbane police about the crimes. Rockhampton Police found the bodies of 30-year-old Tayla and 11-week-old Murphy on 10 August 2023.[3] On the same day that officers made the discovery, Cox's vehicle was seized at the Rockhampton airport for forensic investigation.
Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow of Rockhampton Police denied reports of a gunshot being heard from the residence on the day of the murders, however he would not comment on how the mother and infant were killed.[4]
Tayla was the 43rd Australian woman killed in 2023 and Murphy was the 10th Australian child killed in 2023.[5]
As of February 2024, Cox has been charged with two counts of murder, is currently incarcerated and awaiting trial.[6] His case has been adjourned to March 6, 2024, pending DNA evidence.[7]
