Two local brothers have appeared in Queensland courts facing murder charges following the shooting death of 23-year-old Chloe Jade Mason on Railway Parade, Caboolture, in December last year.
Codye Ian Thomson, 29, and Kaine Raymond Thomson-Gleeson, 32, were arrested in January after allegedly fleeing to NSW following the incident, which occurred in the early hours of 22 December 2024.
Court Proceedings Reveal Details
During Supreme Court hearings in August, details emerged about the events leading to Ms Mason’s death. The court heard that Ms Mason had arrived at the brothers’ residence armed with a rifle, following what police describe as an escalating neighbourhood dispute.
CCTV footage captured the confrontation, showing Thomson approaching Ms Mason whilst she was armed outside the property, followed by Thomson-Gleeson who was carrying a machete. The court was told that after Ms Mason’s rifle apparently misfired twice, Thomson grabbed the weapon and it discharged without causing injury.
The Crown alleges that Thomson-Gleeson then physically assaulted Ms Mason, knocking her to the ground before Thomson fired the remaining rounds from the rifle. Ms Mason sustained three gunshot wounds and was declared deceased at the scene despite police efforts to provide emergency medical care.
Background to the Incident
The shooting appears to have stemmed from an ongoing neighbourhood feud. Court documents indicate that prior to the fatal incident, fuel had been thrown on Thomson-Gleeson’s vehicle, prompting retaliation that damaged another car belonging to an associate of Ms Mason.
Messages between the parties showed Thomson-Gleeson had agreed to pay for the vehicle damage. However, tensions escalated when one of Ms Mason’s associates rode past the brothers’ home earlier that evening, making threatening statements.
Legal Arguments and Bail Decision
Thomson-Gleeson’s legal team argued for bail in August, claiming their client acted in self-defence when he believed Ms Mason was attempting to shoot him. His solicitor has maintained that Thomson-Gleeson was protecting his home and family.
Justice Ryan acknowledged significant weaknesses in the Crown’s case, describing it as not particularly strong. However, she refused bail, citing concerns about Thomson-Gleeson’s potential to interfere with the course of justice and his demonstrated ability to evade police.
The court heard both brothers initially told police they had seen or heard nothing on the night of the shooting. However, in later formal interviews, Thomson-Gleeson admitted he thought Ms Mason was trying to shoot him and claimed his brother disposed of the weapon using acid.
Community Impact
The tragic incident has deeply affected the local community. Ms Mason’s death prompted an outpouring of support from friends and family, who remembered her for her loyalty and compassion.
A funeral service was held at St Mary’s Anglican Church in Redcliffe in January, where mourners gathered to pay their respects. Those who knew Ms Mason described her as having a bubbly personality who would always speak directly rather than behind people’s backs.
The case has also highlighted ongoing concerns about neighbourhood disputes and the tragic consequences that can arise when conflicts escalate.
Current Status
Both brothers remain in custody as the legal proceedings continue. The case has attracted significant attention due to the violent nature of the incident and the complex circumstances surrounding the neighbourhood dispute.
The matter will proceed through the court system, with both defence and prosecution teams preparing their cases for trial. The community continues to process the loss of a young life in what Justice Ryan described as a case with significant legal complexities.
Published 28-August-2025
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