04-05-2025
Man charged with murder over woman's kayaking death on Lake Samsonvale in 2020
A 55-year-old man has been charged with murder and fraud over a woman's death, initially considered an accidental drowning, in Joyner, north of Brisbane.
The man and a 54-year-old woman, who were known to each other, were kayaking on Lake Samsonvale near Forgan Cove on November 27, 2020, when the woman fell into the water and drowned.
Bystanders performed CPR but were unable to revive her. She died at the scene.
Her death was initially considered an accidental drowning. However, further coronial investigations have led detectives from the Petrie Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) to declare it as suspicious.
An investigation was launched under Operation Victor Harlow, and detectives gathered expert statements, including information from witnesses and about the conditions of the lake at the time of the woman's death.
The man was arrested yesterday during a visit to Brisbane from his current address in Thailand.
Police will allege he was involved in the woman's drowning death.
He has been charged with one count each of murder (domestic violence), fraud and attempted fraud.
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He has been refused police bail and is due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
Moreton District Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor said it was a complex and lengthy investigation.
"Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation," Acting Inspector Windsor said.
"Through their tenacious work, we have justice for the woman who tragically died that day as well as her family.
"This is also an important reminder to the community to report any suspicious circumstances to police as you see them. Even if they seem insignificant, they may be an important piece to the puzzle in an investigation."
