Crime News, May 11th 2018: Seven people dead in Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre
The mass shooting took place near the rural town of Margaret River, where the family involved had moved to in 2015. The town, with...

Crime News, May 11th 2018: Seven people dead in Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre

The mass shooting took place near the rural town of Margaret River, where the family involved had moved to in 2015. The town, with a small population of just 700, has been struck by a catastrophic murder-suicide. Police investigated the property after a 000 call and discovered the bodies of seven people.

All seven bodies had sustained gunshot wounds, four were children and five were found inside the family’s house. Chris Dawson, the Police Commissioner for Western Australia, described the mass murder as “a devastating tragedy”. Police at the scene recovered two firearms they believe were used in the killings.

It is believed the victims were all members of the Miles family, whose children were aged between 8 and 13. The Australian has reported that the suspected shooter is the grandfather of the family (Peter Miles) whilst the victims are his daughter Katrina, wife Cynda and his autistic grandchildren.

Katrina Miles, the mother of the children, has also had a long running feud with her estranged ex-husband. Katrina posted pictures on Facebook of messages her ex had sent to her, in these he demanded to be allowed to speak to his children. Mr.Cockman stated: “Can I talk to the kids”…”Or are you to [sic] messed up”…”I will be here every night”.

Investigations are ongoing.