Gold Coast McDonald's shooter dies in hospital

A 57-year-old man who shot and killed his estranged wife inside a Gold Coast fast food restaurant has died in hospital.

Karina Lock, 49, was shot dead in front of horrified staff and customers at a Helensvale McDonald's on Thursday morning.

Her husband, Stephen Lock, then turned the gun on himself.

He was rushed to Gold Coast University hospital in a critical condition but passed away on Friday morning.

Karina Lock died after being shot in the head.

Ms Lock, a mother-of-three, had only just moved to the Gold Coast after her relationship broke down.

She had agreed to meet her ex at the Helensvale fast food outlet early on Thursday morning when the shocking incident unfolded.

Witnesses heard the woman yelling in the car park that the man was "crazy" and was trying to kill her as she ran inside for help.

About 9:15am, Ms Lock entered the restaurant before telling diners 'He's going to kill me'.

Steve Lock, 57, met with his ex-wife Karina at a Helensvale McDonald's on Thursday.

The man, who was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital, was not expected to survive his critical head injuries. Photo: AAP

The incident happened around 9am (AEST).

Witnesses say the shooter then walked into the restaurant, put his arm around her, pressed the gun to her chest and fired.

"Then he did the same, he put the gun to his own head and collapsed over the top of her," a witness told reporters.

A motorcycle policeman was the first to respond and gave CPR to both but couldn't revive Ms Lock.

The 57-year-old is believed to have bought the gun illegally.

Paramedics tried desperately to save the pair.

Detectives and forensic officers spent Thursday afternoon speaking to witnesses and collecting evidence from the scene and are likely to return on Friday morning.

Police believe the gun, a A.22 semi automatic pistol, may have been bought illegally.

Police described Thursday morning's incident at the Helensvale restaurant as "graphic" and "tragic".

"Imagine what it would be like just to be going about your normal business, and have something like that occur right in front of you," Detective Inspector Mark White told reporters.

"I am not going to go into the specifics of it because it is quite a graphic and tragic incident that has occurred and that is obviously the focus of our investigation.

"We're also looking at the CCTV footage that was available inside the premises."

Witnesses heard the woman yelling in the car park that the man was "crazy" and was trying to kill her as she ran inside for help. Photo: AAP

Brittany Stewart's boyfriend was working inside at the time.

“He’s pretty distraught," she said.

"Everyone was crying and one of the cafe girls saw it."

Traumatised witnesses have been offered counselling.

The owner of a nearby fish-and-chip shop, Chris Daly, said the McDonald's would have been filled with families having breakfast before venturing to nearby theme parks.

"It's always busy at that time," he told AAP.

"It's quite shocking. You just don't know who you're rubbing shoulders with."

A McDonald's spokesperson said the company was assisting police and providing counselling services to staff.

A McDonald's spokesperson said the company was assisting police and providing counselling services to staff. Photo: AAP

Ms Lock was one of two women murdered in apparent domestic violence attacks on the tourist strip in two days, prompting Queensland's premier to plead for women in danger to call triple zero immediately.

The state government has said it will fast-track legislation to tackle domestic violence.

If you are struggling mentally, are a victim of domestic violence or are in need of crisis support don't hesitate to contact LifeLine on 13 11 14. If you find yourself in immediate danger contact 000.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.