A 52-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of Brisbane nurse and mother-of-two Carra Luke, who was found with fatal stab wounds in her Taigum home.
Luke, 48, was discovered unconscious in her bedroom just after midnight yesterday on Osprey Place by family members. Emergency responders declared her dead at the scene after noting “significant” injuries.
Queensland Police confirmed the man, who was known to Luke, has been charged with one count of murder and one count of entering a dwelling with intent. He is due to face Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Police established multiple crime scenes across Brisbane as part of the investigation. At around 1:10 a.m. on the same morning, detectives attended a residence on Hackman Street in McDowall, where they arrested the suspect. Forensic teams spent much of the day gathering evidence from the property.
Later in the afternoon, SES personnel assisted with a search of a nearby aged care facility, which was also declared a crime scene. The suspect remains in custody at the Pine Rivers Watchhouse.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said investigators were examining “all angles, including domestic violence,” as part of the inquiry. “The linkage between the two addresses and the parties involved is part of the investigation process,” he added.
Police have urged residents in Taigum—specifically those along Handford Road, Beams Road, Roghan Road, and Church Road—to review CCTV footage from between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Community in Shock
The tragic death has left the community devastated. Neighbours and colleagues described Luke as a compassionate, devoted individual.
“Everyone on the street is devastated by the news this morning,” neighbour Jackson Hughesman told reporters. “Carra was a kind and loving person who would go to extremes for anyone she met. We will miss her chats, her generosity, and kindness.”
Her colleagues at the Nundah Doctor Surgery, where she worked for two decades, echoed the sentiment. “Carra has been with us for 20 years and was the heart and soul of the practice,” they said in a statement.
Family friends also remembered her as a loving mother dedicated to her children, who were her greatest priority.
Ongoing Investigation
Police thanked the public for their cooperation, noting that community tip-offs had been crucial in advancing the investigation.
“Investigators would like to thank members of the public for providing information that greatly supported the investigation,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
The alleged killer, who had been living with his parents in McDowall, is known to the victim. Authorities are now working to determine the nature of their relationship and whether prior domestic violence incidents had occurred.
Luke’s murder has intensified public concern over domestic violence in Queensland, with advocates stressing the urgent need for stronger prevention measures.
As the case proceeds to court, friends, neighbours, and colleagues are mourning the loss of a woman remembered for her dedication to her family, her patients, and her community.
Carra Luke leaves behind two children, a devastated family, and a community still struggling to comprehend the brutal crime.
