A 23-year-old mother has been identified as the victim of an alleged domestic shooting on the Gold Coast, with neighbours recounting desperate attempts to save her life. Mallorie Jane was allegedly shot in the kitchen of a Loder Street home in Biggera Waters by her partner around 8pm on Sunday. Emergency services found Jane with life-threatening gunshot injuries, and she was declared dead at the scene.
Alleged Shooter Charged with Murder
Ethan Midgley, also 23, was arrested at the home and has since been charged with one count each of domestic violence, domestic violence murder, and possessing an unlawful weapon. He is scheduled to appear before Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.
Neighbours Describe Confronting Scene
Detective Acting Inspector Leia Urquhart said neighbours and first responders were met with a “pretty confronting scene” and “tried their very best” to save Jane’s life. Urquhart confirmed police had found a “homemade” firearm at the home which they believe Jane’s partner used to shoot her.
Distraught neighbours recounted how they attempted to save Jane’s life, performing CPR until paramedics arrived. “Before I opened the door I could hear a blood curdling scream, I don’t know how else to put it,” neighbour Tobie Trethewey said. Another neighbour, Bianca Davis, heard the commotion and ran to the home. “I said ‘Is anyone in there? Is anyone giving her CPR?’” Davis said. Davis said she ran into the home and saw another neighbour giving Jane CPR. “She was just on the floor just lifeless and I tried to find where she was hurt and then I was applying pressure to her wound but she was already gone,” Davis added.
Victim’s Son Not Present at Time of Incident
Jane’s son was not at home at the time of the alleged murder and was with other family members. Urquhart said police had been called to the address in the past, however no domestic violence order was in place. “Police take every report of domestic violence seriously,” she said.
Community Mourns Loss
A GoFundMe created by a family friend of Jane’s said they were “heartbroken by the devastating loss of such a beautiful young mum”. “Our hearts are shattered following the tragic loss of our beautiful Mallorie,” they said. “Mallorie leaves behind her precious son, a loving sister, and a family whose lives have been changed forever. She was deeply loved and will be remembered for her beautiful heart, kind spirit, and the love she had for those around her.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
