House party horror as CEO killed, 15yo arrested
The co-founder of the Universal Store clothing company and CEO of another company has been stabbed to death during a house party in a ritzy Brisbane suburb.
Greg Josephson, 58, who co-founded the youth fashion brand with his brother Michael in 1999, was found dead at his Clayfield house in the city's north, shortly after 8pm on Thursday.
A 15-year-old was arrested near the home. He was later charged with one count of murder.
Police were called to the home where a large party was taking place. Officers arrived to find Mr Josephson dead upstairs.
Mr Josephson sold his interest in Universal Store in 2018, with the brand valued at about $100m at the time.
Opening their first shop in Carindale, the brothers grew the business into one of Brisbane's best-known retail brands, with more than 80 stores now open across Australia.
A large group of teenagers was present at the scene, including the 15-year-old boy.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said police alleged a household implement was used during an altercation between Mr Josephson and the teen.
'There was some sort of altercation that's resulted in this 58-year old male tragically losing his life,' he said.
'It's not a case of carrying knives, it's unfortunately allotted in a home.'
Following investigations, detectives charged the 15-year-old Clayfield boy with one count of murder.
The teenager was refused bail and will front Brisbane Children's Court on Friday morning.
Police said the teenager contacted them to report the incident.
'That male person indicated to us that he had some involvement, had some knowledge of something that had happened here,' Inspector Jane Healy said.
'He is the only person who was aware of what happened.'
The boy, along with the other teenagers, were assisting police with their investigation.
Inspector Healy said police arrived at a 'confronting' scene.
'We are still establishing the timeline of what has happened at this address. There were about 30 young people here,' Inspector Healy said.
'It's still extremely early and the situation was quite chaotic, confusing and confronting scene when police arrived,
'There's quite a few young people that need to be interviewed, so until we get that done we won't be able to get a real idea of what has happened here.'
Mr Wildman confirmed the gathering was a planned event with none of the other attendees involved in the incident.
'Police are not looking for any other party, so it was an individual, the 15-year-old is the sole offender that we allege was involved in this incident.'
Mr Wildman said the rest of the teenagers were transported to Boondall Police Station on Thursday night before their families were contacted.
'This is quite a traumatic incident that occurred, so the welfare of those young people will also be considered in this,' he said.
Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Williams confirmed that police located the weapon allegedly used in the murder.
'I can confirm that there was a party under way at the house with a number of young persons at the house,' he said.
'As for what had occurred prior to the incident, it is still under investigation.'
Mr Williams said the teenager sustained a minor injury and the house remained a crime scene.
The Child Protection Investigation Unit was involved in investigations, police said.
Police are urging anyone with information, or with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area, to come forward to assist with the investigation.
After graduating with a commerce degree from Griffith University in 1987, Mr Josephson spent 12 years working in leasing, holding roles at major firms including Jones Lang LaSalle, Lendlease, and Westfield.
He purchased the Noosa Reef Hotel for $13.9m in 2021.
The popular businessman has been remembered as a 'kind' person by a shocked friend.
'We are completely in shock,' he said.
'He was such a kind person, you just don't expect this to happen so close to you.
'It's just so incredibly sad.'
Universal Store expressed its condolences to Mr Josephson's family in a statement released on Friday.
'We wanted to share the sad news that Greg Josephson, who founded our company and played a significant role until 2018, has recently passed away,' the statement said.
'Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with his family at this very sad time.'
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