Parents of Rockhampton man accused of murdering wife and baby break silence

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The family of a Queensland man who has been charged with murdering his wife and 11-week-old baby say they are in an “absolute state of shock” following the news of their loved ones’s deaths.

Matthew Cox, 31, has been charged with two counts of murder after the bodies of his wife, Tayla Cox, and his baby daughter, Murphy, were found in a property on Bean St, Park Avenue, in the central Queensland city of Rockhampton on Thursday.

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Detectives believe the remains were in the home for two days before being discovered through a police welfare check.

It’s been alleged Cox flew from Rockhampton to Brisbane on Tuesday evening and reported the deaths to police on Thursday.

A mum and baby were found dead in a home in Rockhampton. Credit: 7NEWS

Police said the Cox family were not known to authorities for domestic violence.

Cox did not appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court when his matter was mentioned briefly on Friday.

He was unable to apply for bail because of the serious nature of the charges.

His parents, Denis and Linda, issued a statement to the media, saying there had very few other details about the alleged murders and “are in an absolute state of shock.”

“The family are devastated by the news today that we have not only lost a beautiful daughter-in-law Tayla but also our much loved granddaughter Murphy,” the statement said.

“At this stage we have very few other details and are in an absolute state of shock.

“We ask that the media respect our privacy while we grieve and try and process what has occurred.”

Matthew Cox will appear in court after being charged with his wife and daughter’s murder. Credit: Supplied

Police alleged the bodies of Tayla and Murphy were found at the home with lacerations.

A crime scene has been established at the Cox’s family home, as well as an apartment complex in Fortitude Valley where Matthew Cox is understood to have been staying.

Police have also seized a vehicle from Rockhampton Airport and have taken it away for examination.

It also emerged on Friday that Cox had sought mental health support a year ago.

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said Cox had been an inpatient at Rockhampton hospital last year but had not recently sought treatment.

“I’m advised there hasn’t been any recent treatment at the Rockhampton Hospital for this individual,” she told reporters on Friday.

“I understand about a year ago he did seek treatment from the Rockhampton Hospital — he was an inpatient there.”