Tragedy as a woman is found dead in a ‘pool of her own blood clutching a screwdriver’ – while a man known to her is charged with her murder
- Shaun Robert Sturgess, 50, has been charged with murdering wife of 17 years
- Police said they believe he separated from his wife in December of last year
- Allegedly hit her from behind with cut-down sledgehammer and fled in a taxi
- Body found during welfare check after friend said she hadn’t heard from her
A man has been charged with murdering his wife of 17 years after allegedly attacking her from behind with a cut-down sledgehammer.
The body of Jacqueline Sturgess, 45, was discovered when police arrived at a home in Narangba, north of Brisbane about 4pm on Wednesday afternoon.
Shaun Robert Sturgess, 50, who she shared two children with, faced court on Thursday morning charged over her death.
Police allege he hit her from behind with the sledgehammer and fled the scene in a taxi.
She was allegedly found dead in a pool of her own blood while clutching a screwdriver tightly in her hand.
The body of Jacqueline Sturgess was discovered when police arrived at a home in Narangba north of Brisbane about 4pm on Wednesday afternoon
Police said Sturgess is believed to have separated from his wife in December.
Police had arrived for a welfare check after a friend reported she had not heard from Ms Sturgess, 7 News reported.
Her death was initially not treated as suspicious, but further investigations led to the man being arrested at a friend’s home in Rocklea.
Magistrates at Pine Rivers Court have adjourned the case until June 25, when it will be mentioned at Caboolture Magistrates Court.
A neighbour said they heard nothing from the property despite being at home all day, adding the area was considered safe and friendly.
‘They had blocked the street off last night, so out the back there is a walkway that goes out to New Settlement Road and there was a pile of cops with torches doing a search, the neighbour told The Courier Mail.
‘Yesterday we saw cop cars everywhere and when it happens in your street, you think, did we miss something?’
Shaun Robert Sturgess, 50, who she shared two children with, faced Pine Rivers Court on Thursday morning charged over her death