Tragic twist after girl, 13, watches dad die in terrifying Brisbane home invasion
A 13-year-old girl has been orphaned after witnessing her father’s death when he was fatally shot in a terrifying home invasion south of Brisbane on Monday.
Michael Menzel, 48, was shot in the leg when four men broke into his Gleneagle home shortly before 6am while a 40-year-old man suffered minor injuries when he was struck in the head with a hammer.
Police said the teenager watched on as paramedics failed to save her father at the home.
“Paramedics were working very hard to try and keep him alive. There was significant blood loss so she’s got the trauma of that to deal with,” Inspector Jim Plowman told Nine News.
Neighbours revealed the girl had formed a close bond with her father following the recent death of her mother.
“I hope she gets the justice she wants for this, and she knows there are people here that will support her through this,” Lisa Rielly told the network.
Police believe Mr Menzel was targeted over an outstanding drug debt, according to Nine News.
Friend Rebecca Atkins said the father was a hard-working chef who went out his way to help anyone.
"Michael would take his shirt off his back if someone needed it, [he] was a dear friend that I will never forget," she told the Brisbane Times.
Police continue to search for a black, new model, Holden Commodore utility with no registration plates that was seen leaving the address and last seen travelling on the Mount Lindesay Highway.
Officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the vehicle in the vicinity of Brittany Court before 6am to come forward.
Anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV is also urged to contact police.
If you have information regarding the incident, contact Queensland Police on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24 hours a day.
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