Man to face trial over alleged deaths of Rockhampton woman and infant daughter

A Central Queensland man will stand trial for the alleged murder of his wife and 11-week-old daughter following a two-day committal hearing in Rockhampton this week.

Matthew James Cox, 34, has been committed to stand trial in the Queensland District Court on two counts of murder over the deaths of Tayla Black, 30, and her daughter Murphy, who died on 8 August 2023.

Magistrate Peter Kuskie heard evidence from 19 witnesses during the hearing at Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 27 and 28 July, with submissions from both the prosecution and defence considered before the committal decision was reached.

Discovery and investigation

The bodies of Ms Black and her infant daughter were discovered by Rockhampton police at a Bean Street property in Park Avenue after the service was alerted by Brisbane police. Mr Cox had presented himself to a Brisbane police station on 10 August 2023, two days after the alleged deaths.

The discovery sent shockwaves through the Rockhampton community, with tributes laid outside the Park Avenue home in the weeks following the tragedy.

The committal hearing heard evidence from 19 witnesses across two days, with the magistrate determining there was sufficient evidence for the matter to proceed to trial

Legal proceedings ahead

The committal process determines whether there is sufficient evidence to justify sending a matter to a higher court for trial. In this instance, Magistrate Kuskie found the Crown had presented adequate evidence to proceed with the case in the District Court.

The trial will now proceed through Queensland's superior court system, where the matter will be heard before a judge and jury. The District Court has broader jurisdiction to hear serious criminal matters such as murder charges.

Support available

The case highlights the ongoing tragedy of domestic and family violence in Australia. A number of support services are available for those affected by family violence or in crisis:

• Emergency services: Triple Zero (000)
• Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
• 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Lifeline: 131 114

This article was originally reported by ABC News (ABC Capricornia).