Lawyer ‘killed by wife’ after divorce, says ex-husband

A lawyer from Queensland’s Coomera has died after she was stabbed and shot by her estranged husband in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The 34-year-old, who is not believed to have a criminal record, was found with multiple stab wounds at her home in Coomeria, about 50 kilometres south of Townsville.

Her death has been classified as a homicide.

The murder victim, a 30-year old man, had a history of mental health problems, the Queensland Coroner’s Office said.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

It is not clear whether the murder was a domestic dispute or an argument between the two women.

The victim’s estranged husband, Michael Cohen, is the father of the couple’s two children.

Mr Cohen was in a car with the woman at the time of the incident.

He has not yet been charged in connection with the case.

ABC Queensland’s Crimestoppers tip line is 1800 333 000.

Ms Lawless, a single mother who lives alone, had lived in the same house with the man for about three years.

“I was very devastated,” she said.

“There were no signs of life in the house, just a very quiet place.”

Ms LawLESS said she was told by her former partner that she had been stabbed in the back by her husband, but she did not know what happened.

“She said she felt her life was over, that it was over for her,” she told 7.30.

Ms Laws home has been searched and police are seeking CCTV footage.

“The person has said he was looking for a place to stay, he didn’t know if he would be able to find a place for his family,” Detective Sergeant Greg Gildea said.

Neighbour John Pritchard said the woman had been “really upset” about her husband’s behaviour.

“He’s just been a very violent person, he’s got a history with mental health issues,” he said.

Mr Pritches wife has had a number of domestic disputes.

He said she had not seen the man since the incident, but was still concerned for her safety.

“It’s a really sad situation.

She had a great relationship with him,” he told 7:30.

Mr Gildaea said it was not clear why the man had gone to the woman’s house, but the Queensland Police Service said the investigation was ongoing.

“At this stage it appears the incident is not connected to domestic violence, but our inquiries are ongoing,” it said in a statement.

Ms Lee, who lives on the other side of the road, said she could not imagine what the family would be going through now.

“To see her mother dead and the woman dead, it just blows my mind.

It just breaks my heart,” she added.

The woman’s husband was not injured.

The Queensland Coroners Office said the man was found in the car with his hands up.

He had not yet appeared in court.

A police spokesperson said it had no information to confirm whether there had been any contact between the couple before the incident or after it.

It also said the incident was not believed related to domestic or family violence.

Mr Lawless said she did have a previous history of violence and had been threatened by her ex-partner.

“But at the end of the day it was my family, it was a small town,” she explained.

The couple’s son was also at the scene.

“They are devastated.

It’s hard to say anything at this point,” he added.