A mother and her young daughter were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in Kenmore Hills, Queensland, according to multiple Australian news outlets.
Authorities said that around 12:43 p.m. local time on Monday, Sept. 29, police and emergency services performed a welfare check at a rental property in Kenmore Hills. In a news release, Queensland Police confirmed that officers discovered the bodies of a 54-year-old woman from Norman Park and her 8-year-old daughter inside the home. The property was declared a crime scene.
“Investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding the deaths,” police said. “There is no ongoing threat to the public.”
Local outlets 7 News and ABC News identified the woman as a Brisbane anesthetist who worked at several hospitals across the region.
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A spokesperson for Metro South Health expressed condolences to those affected. “We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragic incident,” they said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “As this matter is subject to an ongoing police investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
A spokesperson for the Princess Alexandra Hospital also offered condolences in a statement shared with 7 News.
Footage published by the outlet showed the mother taking out garbage at the Airbnb property on Tinarra Crescent less than a day before she and her daughter were found deceased. Police are investigating the case as a suspected murder-suicide, according to 7 News and Sky News Australia.
Sky News Australia reported that officers were alerted after a person who knew the mother received an email outlining her intentions and contacted authorities.
The mother and daughter were discovered inside a four-bedroom home that had been listed on Airbnb since at least 2023, according to News.com.au. Records show the property sold last year for about $1.65 million and was later available for rent at $700 per night with a five-night minimum stay. It has since been removed from Airbnb and is also unavailable on Stayz.
Described by listings as “rich in charm and character,” the luxurious property featured large verandas and an infinity pool, News.com.au reported, citing Realestate.com.
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Neighbor Andrew Offen told ABC News that the community is close-knit and long-established. “It’s a very friendly neighborhood — most of us have been here for over 10 years,” he said.
Another resident, Dirk Vandenbroucke, who has lived in the area for nearly three decades, recalled realizing something was wrong only after noticing heavy police activity. “We didn’t hear much until there were a lot of police in the street,” he said. “Then we were told something serious had happened.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli called the scene “deeply distressing” in remarks to the Sydney Morning Herald. “Distressing for everyone, including the first responders who had to see it,” he said.
Authorities are continuing to investigate and have urged anyone with information or relevant footage to contact police.
Airbnb and the Princess Alexandra Hospital did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
