Two found dead at Murrabit West
THE grief-stricken family and friends of a woman shot dead at Murrabit West at the weekend have gathered at her home at Pental Island as investigations into the tragic events continue.
While the coroner is yet to release the name of the 41-year-old, close friends have described the local resident of more than 10 years as a “beautiful person” and loving mother of her teenage daughter.
Police are still trying to determine exactly what caused her partner Greg Murray to snap on Saturday night before going on a shooting spree, killing the woman, and turning the gun on himself.
They say at 11.30pm on Saturday the 43-year-old dairy farmer went armed with a shotgun to the home of his ex-wife Sonia Gray in Kerang.
Ms Gray, 42, was shot in the neck and hand before her current husband, 47-year-old local butcher David Gray, and a neighbour wrestled the gun from Murray.
There were six children between the ages of six and 14 inside the house at the time.
Inspector Jamie Templeton said Murray fled the scene in his car and drove to his property 30km away in Salau Road, Murrabit West.
What followed were several tense hours as police located Murray’s car about a kilometre from his house, which is on the same property as his parents, and ascertained he had a second gun.
At 4.30am, they found the body of the 41-year-old Swan Hill woman inside the farmhouse and Murray’s body in a different car inside the carport.
Inspector Templeton said that it was unknown whether the woman was shot before Murray travelled to Kerang.
He said there was nothing to indicate the horrific incident was about to occur — Murray had no criminal record, no intervention orders against him and did not have a gun licence.
He and his ex wife had been separated for six years.
She remained in the Royal Melbourne Hospital yesterday in a stable but serious condition, while her husband was treated for pellet wounds on Sunday and released.
Three of the children in the home during the shooting were from Ms Gray’s relationship with Murray, while two were from her current marriage. One was a friend of the children.
All were unharmed in the incident.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased 41-year-old Swan Hill woman have travelled from across the country to mourn and support the woman’s young daughter.
They met with officers from the Swan Hill Crime Investigation Unit on Tuesday.
For 24 hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifelife.org.au/crisischat
