South Mackay shooting: Man charged with murder after woman shot dead and man injured

Max Corstorphan
The Nightly
Police issued an urgent warning to locals after locking down a suburban area while hunting a man involved in the shooting death of a woman.
Police issued an urgent warning to locals after locking down a suburban area while hunting a man involved in the shooting death of a woman. Credit: 7NEWS

A 31-year-old man has been charged with murder and attempted murder after a fatal shooting incident on Wednesday that left a woman dead and a man seriously injured.

The tragic events unfolded in South Mackay when the suspect approached a 34-year-old woman sitting in a parked vehicle outside a Robb Place residence.

The man, armed with a firearm, allegedly shot the woman, resulting in her death at the scene.

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Authorities believe that although the two were not acquainted, they lived on the same street.

During the incident, two children were in the vehicle but managed to escape unharmed.

Shortly after, a 66-year-old nearby resident confronted the shooter and was also shot, sustaining injuries to his hand and sternum.

He was quickly transported to Mackay Base Hospital and is reported to be in a serious but stable condition.

The 31-year-old man fled the scene in a silver Mitsubishi Triton, prompting police to issue an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA), covering multiple streets in the area.

The man was apprehended later that evening at a service station along the Bruce Highway near Hilton Street without further incident.

The emergency declaration was lifted around 10.30 pm, with police assuring the public there was no ongoing threat.

The accused is scheduled to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday to face charges of murder and attempted murder.

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