Gold Coast mum charged with murder after partner's shooting death
A Gold Coast mother is behind bars, accused of the fatal shooting of her partner as police investigate whether domestic violence was a factor.
Police took Paania Lawrence, 39, into custody after responding to a call detectives said was made by her from a home on Waverley Street, Southport on Wednesday, about 2am.
On Wednesday night, Ms Lawrence was charged with murder and possession of a category H weapon.
It followed the shooting death of her 46-year-old partner Scott James Morrison.
Queensland Police’s Detective Inspector Matt Ward confirmed the pair had been in an intimate relationship for about six months but had no knowledge of domestic violence between them. They are now exploring the possibility.
The man, who did not live at the property, is believed to have arrived at some point during the night.
"Suffice to say he hadn't been there for a substantial period of time," Det Act Insp Ward said.
Seven News understands Ms Lawrence’s son and partner were also home at the time, along with a young family staying in a caravan in their backyard.
Detectives spent Tuesday interviewing residents in the area.
But most say they slept through the night and the next-door neighbours said they didn’t hear the gunshot.
