Devastated family break silence after Cairns mother Krystel Paul shot dead by her husband in a murder-suicide

The devastated family of a mother shot dead by her husband in a murder-suicide have broken their silence as they rally to support her orphaned daughter.

Krystel and James Paul, both 41, were found dead in separate rooms inside their Verbena Dr home in Mount Sheridan, Cairns, on Tuesday night.

The married couple’s nine-year-old daughter had fled the home to sound the alarm, banging at a neighbour’s door.

Krystel’s sister Jasmin Bolt said, as the young girl braces for a future without her parents, they wanted to set up a GoFundMe to support her.

“We’re trying to navigate through this hard time and I need to make sure (her daughter) is financially secure for her future,” Bolt said.

Police believe James shot his wife before taking his own life.

On Friday a friend of Krystel’s said the Queensland mother had been planning on leaving her husband before she was killed.

“She’d packed her and her daughter’s belongings in the boot and was literally about to leave,” the friend told prominent domestic violence advocate Sherele Moody.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the couple’s sudden deaths, with Detective Acting Inspector Alina Bell earlier saying they did not have a history of domestic violence or mental health issues.

“It’s always possible that things go on behind closed doors that family, friends and police are not aware of,” she said.

“But our investigations have indicated to date that there is no indication that there was any domestic violence within that relationship.”

The couple was not known to police.

Multiple firearms were found in the home, all registered to the husband.

According to police, the child had been “alerted to the incident occurring” before seeking help from family members and neighbours.

“That triple zero call occurred as a result of another family member calling us,” Bell said.

Police said the girl and family members are being given ongoing support.

“This is not only a tragic occurrence for friends and family, it also significantly impacts the whole of the community,” Bell said.

An investigation is ongoing.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.