The new owners of the infamous Queensland property where two police officers and a neighbour were murdered by a trio of crazed conspiracy theorists have broken their silence on their intentions for the site. Queensland Police constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were murdered in December 2022 when they went to the remote Wieambilla home of conspiracy theorists Stacey and Gareth Train, in search of Gareth’s brother Nathaniel Train.
The Wieambilla property where police constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were murdered in an ambush was sold for $190,000 to unknown buyers. The trio gunned down the officers as they approached the home, also killing neighbour Alan Dare as he went to investigate.
Following their deaths, the Queensland Police Union (QPU) proposed buying the site, with the backing of the state government. However, negotiations stalled in 2025. Earlier this year, the Nathaniel and Stacey Train’s son Aiden listed the property for sale, telling media he was still open to selling to the union but could not delay any longer.
Speaking exclusively to 9News, the owners of the new property - who live in Agnes Water, near Gladstone on the Queensland coast - said they were drawn to the block of land because of its size and affordability. Both have claimed they initially knew nothing of the property’s horrific past.
They told the broadcaster they do not have plans to demolish the house but have vowed to keep it maintained and “be respectful” of the lives lost on it. The property sold for $190,000 on April 14.
The sale has attracted outrage from the police - with QPU president saying the last-minute listing was a “surprise” due to the union’s work trying to keep the property out of public hands. The McCrow and Arnold families told the Courier Mail on Saturday the sale was an “absolute insult” to the memory of the officers and Mr Dare.
“For over three years, we carried a shred of comfort based on a promise to tear down the reminders of that horrific night and transform the property into a sacred memorial site – a place of solace, reflection, and a peaceful sanctuary,” they told the publication. “The idea of an unknown person living there, or of the site becoming a destination for those drawn to extremist violence, is something we should never have to endure. We feel deeply let down by the institutions that promised to protect our children in life and honour them in death. The failure to secure this property is contrary to everything we were led to believe.
“We urge the Queensland government and the Queensland Police Union to step in and ensure that the ground where Rachel, Matt and Alan made the ultimate sacrifice is preserved with the dignity and respect it deserves.”
Mr Prior was disappointed with the sale, saying the union was still working through issues at the time it was settled. Stacey and Gareth Train first purchased the property in 2015 for $95,000. Stacey was previously in a relationship with Nathaniel, with whom she shared children. Aiden Train, along with his sister, have publicly condemned his parent’s action, while offering condolences to the victim’s families and distancing themselves from their parents religious beliefs.
