Ethan Midgley, 23, has been charged with domestic violence-related murder after the death of Mallorie Jane Roberts, 23, who was found with gunshot wounds at a home in Biggera Waters on the Gold Coast on Sunday evening. Police seized a homemade, unregistered firearm allegedly used in the shooting.
Emergency response and charges
Emergency services were called to the Loder Street property at about 8pm on Sunday after a neighbour called triple zero. Detective Acting Inspector Leia Urquhart described the scene as “pretty confronting” and said that despite the “very best efforts” of first responders, Roberts was declared dead at the scene. Midgley was arrested at the home and also charged with unlawful possession of weapons used to commit an indictable offence. He appeared in Southport magistrates court and was remanded in custody to reappear in July.
Victim remembered as loving mother
Roberts leaves behind a two-year-old son, who was staying with other family members at the time of the shooting, according to Urquhart. A friend of the victim’s family, Haylee Harris, said she was heartbroken by the loss of “such a beautiful young mum”. “Mallorie had a beautiful smile that could light up any room, she was so funny,” Harris said. “Her little son was her whole world – he’s got no mother now, he’s only two, so I can only imagine what he’s going through.” Harris set up a GoFundMe page to help Roberts’ family and “ease some of the financial burden”.
Police history and community impact
Urquhart confirmed that police had attended the Biggera Waters residence in the past, but said “all background in relation to the man and the woman forms part of our investigation”. The Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Alliance expressed “deep sorrow” over the death. Chief executive Melanie Arnost said: “Tragedies like this are felt far beyond one household. It affects our communities and those who work every day to prevent this violence … every woman has the right to live in safety.” Harris added that Roberts “had a kind heart, and always made people feel welcome”. “No woman deserves this – she deserved so much more time with these people she loved,” she said.
