8-Year-Old Girl Found Dead Alongside Her Mom Inside Luxury Airbnb in Suspected Murder-Suicide By Latoya Gayle

A mother and her daughter have died in an apparent murder-suicide in Australia, according to multiple local news outlets.

At around 12:43 p.m. local time on Monday, Sept. 29, police and emergency services conducted a welfare check at a rental property in Kenmore Hills, Queensland, local Police stated in a news release. They declared it a crime scene after finding a 54-year-old woman from the Brisbane suburb of Norman Park and an 8-year-old girl dead.

“Investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding the deaths,” Queensland police said, per their news release. “There is no ongoing threat to the public.”

The mother has been identified as a Brisbane anesthetist who worked at several hospitals, local outlets 7 News and ABC News reported.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragic incident,” a Metro South Health spokesperson said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “As this matter is subject to an ongoing police investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

A spokesperson for the Princess Alexandra Hospital said they also extended their “deepest sympathies to all those affected in a statement obtained by 7 News.

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In footage published by the outlet, the mother is seen taking out garbage at the Airbnb on Tinarra Cres in Kenmore Hills less than 24 hours before she and her daughter were found deceased.

Their deaths are being investigated as a suspected murder-suicide, per 7 News and Sky News Australia.

Police were allegedly alerted to the incident by someone who knew the mother after they received an email outlining her intentions, Sky News Australia reported. 

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The mother and daughter were found inside a luxurious 4-bedroom house that’s been available to rent on Airbnb since at least 2023, according to News.com.au

Last year, it was sold for $1,652,824 and subsequently listed for rental for $700 per night, with a five-night minimum booking. The property has been removed from Airbnb since the incident and is unavailable to book on Stayz, according to the outlet.

Described as “rich in charm and character,” the opulent house features an infinity pool and large verandas, News.com.au reported, citing Realestate.com.

Neighbor Andrew Offen told ABC News that the neighborhood is “communal” and “friendly,” with most people having lived there for at least 10 years.

Dirk Vandenbroucke, who has lived in the neighborhood for 27 years, added that it wasn’t until he saw the police activity that he realized something was wrong. He also told the outlet he was unaware the property was available for rent.

“[We didn’t hear] much until there was a lot of [police] activity in the street,” Vandenbroucke said, per ABC News. “Then we were told something serious [had] happened.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described the scene of the incident to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I guess the only word that comes to mind is distressing,” Crisafulli told the outlet. “Distressing for everyone, including the first responders who had to see.”

Police are asking anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward amid their ongoing investigation.

Airbnb and Princess Alexandra Hospital did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

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