Man charged with murder of wife, newborn baby at Rockhampton home

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A man has been charged with two counts of murder after his wife and their newborn baby were found dead in a home in Central Queensland.

Police said officers were called to a home at Park Avenue in Rockhampton just before 11am on Thursday.

At the home, police found the bodies of 30-year-old Tayla Cox and her 11-week-old baby girl, Murphy Margaret Cox.

Matthew Cox, Tayla Cox and baby Murphy Margaret. Rockhampton.

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Matthew Cox went to Fortitude Valley police station in Brisbane after allegedly reporting there were two dead people at the Rockhampton home.

The 31-year-old father has since been charged with two counts of murder (domestic violence offences).

He will face court tomorrow.

Two bodies found in Rockhampton home, Queensland.

Detective Inspector Darrin Shadlow said it was a “confronting scene” for first responders.

He dispelled claims there was a firearm used in the alleged crime.

Police believe Ms Cox and Murphy Margaret died on Tuesday before Mr Cox flew from Rockhampton the same night to Brisbane “after allegedly committing the offences”.

Matthew Cox and Tayla Cox. Rockhampton.

A car was seized by police at Rockhampton Airport and is undergoing forensic examination.

Mr Cox was not known to police and there was no previous domestic violence history.

A crime scene was established at the Rockhampton home while a second crime scene was established at an apartment in Fortitude Valley, where police believe the man was staying.

Shadlow said the family of Ms Cox and her baby have been notified and they are “devastated”.

Shadlow confirmed Ms Cox and her baby were a local family and were residents of the home.

The couple lived in a modest three-bedroom home in Rockhampton with a social media post revealing Ms Cox’s excitement when they settled on the property.

“New chapter, can’t wait to make so many amazing memories with our beautiful little family,” it said.

Two bodies found in Rockhampton home, Queensland.

Mr Cox is a TV executive with Southern Cross Austereo and Ms Cox was on maternity leave.

The couple welcomed their child Murphy Margaret in June.

Neighbours were left shocked by the incident.

“I feel sick to my stomach. They’re one of your generic, lovely families,” a neighbour said.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).