Ethan Midgley, 23, has been charged with domestic violence-related murder after the fatal shooting of his partner, Mallorie Jane Roberts, 23, at their home in Biggera Waters on the Gold Coast. Roberts, a mother to a two-year-old boy, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency responders' efforts.
Incident Details
Emergency services were called to a home on Loder Street at about 8pm on Sunday after a neighbour called triple zero. Detective Acting Inspector Leia Urquhart described the scene as “pretty confronting.” Police seized a homemade, unregistered firearm allegedly used in the shooting. Midgley was arrested at the home and also charged with unlawful possession of weapons used to commit an indictable offence.
Victim Remembered
Haylee Harris, a family friend, described Roberts as “a beautiful young mum” with “a beautiful smile that could light up any room.” She said Roberts’ son “was her whole world” and that he is now left without a mother. Harris set up a GoFundMe page to support the family. Roberts was remembered as someone who “always made people feel welcome.”
Police History
Urquhart confirmed police had attended the Biggera Waters residence previously, but all background details are part of the investigation. Midgley is not the father of Roberts’ child. The boy was staying with other family members at the time of the shooting.
Community Response
The Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Alliance expressed “deep sorrow,” with chief executive Melanie Arnost stating, “Tragedies like this are felt far beyond one household… every woman has the right to live in safety.” Midgley appeared in Southport magistrates court and was remanded in custody to reappear in July.
