Keysbrook homicide inquiry after man found dead; woman and child safe

A homicide inquiry is under way after police found a 44-year-old man dead at a rural property in Keysbrook, south-east of Perth. A 38-year-old man known to him was apprehended at the same property and is helping investigators. Police say the incident is contained and there is no continuing threat to public safety.

Woman and child reached safety

The first reports reached police at about 8:40am on November 14: a firearm had been discharged at a Scarp Road address and someone had suffered critical injuries. Officers arriving at the residence found the 44-year-old deceased with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound. The location, identified as the Hilltop Orchard property, is about 70 kilometres south-east of central Perth.

A woman in her 40s and her child were inside when the incident happened. Police say both got themselves out safely and neither was injured. The 38-year-old man was found inside a parked vehicle on the property. Police also recovered and seized one firearm from inside the house.

Search covered the house and outbuildings

Members of the public were initially asked to stay away while a large response, including Tactical Response Group officers, secured and searched the secluded site. Officers worked through the house, shipping containers and metal sheds to check for any further danger. The property includes an orchard, although it was not established whether that orchard was still operating.

Aerial images of the operation showed a woman approaching officers with her hands raised and speaking with them as the search continued. At least eight police vehicles, forensic officers and three St John ambulance crews were sent. The large initial deployment preceded the later assurance that the situation had been contained.

Inquiry remains open

Homicide Squad detectives are continuing their inquiries. Being apprehended and assisting police does not establish that the 38-year-old committed an offence. The police statement reviewed for this report announced no charge or court finding and gave no confirmed motive. Those limits matter while investigators establish what happened inside the residence.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through its Western Australian reporting service. Police say information can be supplied anonymously. The photograph is an illustration of an empty tree-lined rural path. It is not the Keysbrook property, the crime scene or a photograph of anyone involved.