Man Charged With Double Murder After Bodies Found 15 Days Apart in Gurranang

Police have charged a 32-year-old man with two counts of murder after discovering the bodies of two men at a rural property in Gurranang, about 25 kilometres north of Grafton in northern NSW. The first body, a 79-year-old man, was found inside a home on September 13. Officers returned on Monday for follow-up inquiries and found a second body, believed to be a 59-year-old man, in a shed. The arrested man was refused bail and faced court on Wednesday, September 30.

How the bodies were discovered

Police were called to Summerland Way in Gurranang at 3pm on September 13 after a 79-year-old man’s body was found inside the home. Officers established a crime scene and began investigating. On Monday afternoon, detectives returned to the property to make further inquiries about the first death. At 3.40pm, they discovered the body of a second man inside a shed on the same property.

Coffs-Clarence Police District Commander Superintendent Joanne Schultz told reporters that officers “did not anticipate what they found”. She described both crime scenes as extremely confronting and traumatic for the officers involved.

The arrested man and charges

Strike Force Faneel detectives arrested a 32-year-old man from Gurranang at a hospital in Grafton at about 12.20pm on Tuesday, September 29. He was taken to Grafton Police Station where he was charged with two counts of murder and stealing a motor vehicle. The man was refused police bail and was due to appear before Bail Division Court on Wednesday, September 30.

What police know about the victims

The two deceased men were known to each other, according to Superintendent Schultz. The 59-year-old man was not from Gurranang and had been visiting the property. Police believe he died within the previous 24 to 48 hours before being discovered on Monday. Both men displayed similar injuries consistent with foul play. Schultz said detectives were still working to establish the relationship between the arrested man and the victims.

Investigation continues

Detectives from Strike Force Faneel, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of both deaths. Police have not yet formally identified the second victim. The scene was not maintained between the two discoveries, meaning evidence may have been compromised during the 15-day gap between finding the bodies.

Final Thoughts

The double murder charge marks a significant development in a case that shocked northern NSW. With the accused facing court on September 30 and investigations ongoing, the full circumstances of both deaths remain under investigation by Strike Force Faneel.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.