The quiet streets of Biggera Waters on Australia's Gold Coast were shattered on Sunday evening, when a neighbour raised the alarm about a distressing scene unfolding at a property on Loder Street. Within hours, police had arrested 23-year-old Ethan Midgley, who was in a relationship with the victim, 23-year-old Mallorie Jane Roberts. The young mother of one was found dead with gunshot wounds, her life cut short in a tragic event that has left an entire community reeling.
The scene at the address was described by Detective Acting Inspector Leia Urquhart as 'pretty confronting' for those attending. Midgley has been charged with domestic violence-related murder and unlawful possession of weapons used to commit an indictable offence, following the discovery of a homemade, unregistered firearm seized in connection with the incident.
Friends and family are still coming to terms with the loss of Ms Roberts, who was remembered as a 'beautiful young mother' with a smile that could light up any room. Her two-year-old son was with other relatives at the time of the shooting and will undoubtedly feel the impact of his mother's tragic death in the days and weeks ahead.
A crowdfunding page has been set up to support Ms Roberts' family, launched by a friend who hopes to alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face. The Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Alliance has also expressed its profound sadness over Ms Roberts' death, with chief executive Melanie Arnost stating that 'tragedies like this are felt far beyond one household' and affect entire communities working to prevent such violence.
The alliance reiterated that 'every woman has the right to live in safety', lamenting the loss of a young woman's life and the future she would have had. In a poignant tribute, Ms Roberts' friend highlighted that 'no woman deserves this' and expressed hope that her memory would live on through the kindness and support demonstrated by the community.