Two men have been charged with murder in the Caboolture area after the body of 25-year-old Malahki Gray, also known as Jai, was found at an abandoned quarry near Mt Ngungun on Tuesday.
Police allege Gray was lured to a property in the Glass House Mountains on May 28th and stabbed to death in a “brutal and callous” attack.
Gray, an Aboriginal man from Morayfield, was reported missing by family and friends on June 4th after he had not accessed his online banking or social media for over a week. A homicide investigation was launched on Monday after detectives deemed he had likely “met with foul play.”
“The victim’s carers and family provided information that turned out to be pivotal to the investigation,” said Detective Inspector David Harbison. “Police understand the motive may have stemmed from a dispute between parties likely over a small debt.”
After receiving a tip, police searched the quarry area and found Gray’s body on Tuesday. A 19-year-old man and 22-year-old man were subsequently arrested in the Caboolture area and charged with murder and misconduct with a corpse by interfering.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Tonia Dana
Speaking on behalf of Gray’s family, Regina Jones said, “Jai has always been a very vulnerable person and is always generous and loving. Our family is so saddened by this tragic event.” Both men charged are set to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court today.
Gray’s alleged murder has shaken the local Aboriginal community. Readers are advised the 13YARN crisis support line run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is available 24/7.
Published 12-June-2024
