Bombshell update after woman drowned while kayaking at popular lake
A man has been charged with murder and fraud after a woman fell into water and drowned on a kayak trip on a popular lake north of Brisbane four years ago.
On November 27, 2020, a 55-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman were kayaking on Lake Samsonvale near Forgan Cove in the Moreton Bay region when the woman reportedly fell into the water and drowned.
Witnesses and emergency performances tried to revive the woman with CPR but she could not be saved and was declared deceased at the scene.
Initially thought to be an accidental drowning, further inquiries led police and detectives to suspect the woman's death was suspicious.
Establishing Operation Victor Harlow, officers completed a 'complex' investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death, including the conditions of the lake when the pair were kayaking and information from witnesses.
Police arrested the 55-year-old man on Sunday May 4 while he was visiting Brisbane from his home in Thailand.
He was charged with one count of murder (domestic violence), fraud and attempted fraud.
Police will allege the man was involved in the death of the 54-year-old woman.
Queensland Police Acting Inspector Steve Windsor said the authorities left no stone unturned while investigating the woman's death.
'Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation,' he said.
'Through their tenacious work, we have justice for the woman who tragically died that day as well as her family.'
He urged anyone who sees something suspicious to report it to police, 'even if they seem insignificant', as it 'may be an important piece to the puzzle in an investigation'.
'Police will always investigate serious matters thoroughly, no matter how long they may take,' he said.
The 54-year-old man was refused bail ad is set to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 5.
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