Sinister twist after dad and daughter, 10, found dead in burnt-out shed
Police believe a shed fire that killed a beloved country baker and his young daughter in rural Queensland was deliberately lit.
Todd Mooney, who was due to marry his little girl's mum this week, and 10-year-old Kirra both died in the blaze on their Biggenden property in the North Burnett Region on December 20. Their bodies were discovered just after midday.
On Thursday morning detectives announced that they had launched a homicide investigation following a scientific examination of the crime scene and the remains found at the Fenwicks Road property.
“Originally we thought that this was a terrible tragic accident,” Inspector Gary Pettiford told reporters outside the family’s home. “[But] as a result of all the forensic investigations that have been carried out, we’ve now reached a conclusion where this hasn’t been a tragic accident.
“We believe that the fire was deliberately lit and that as a direct consequence of that the two people have passed away.”
While he wouldn’t comment on whether the 54-year-old man and his daughter were already dead before the fire started, he believes a third party was involved in their deaths.
More than a dozen members of the State Emergency Service will today scour a neighbouring paddock searching for clues. Insp Pettiiford says they will be primarily looking for weapons, namely firearms and knives, that may have been used during the incident.
Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at the time is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Tributes pour in for grieving mum, fiancée
Mr Mooney and Kirra’s mother, Bec Hansen, who together owned the Biggenden Bakery, were meant to tie the knot at Fenwicks Road property on Wednesday
Ms Hansen had been at the bakery at the time of the blaze inside the shed, which Insp Pettiford described as a “man cave” with a bar and pool table inside.
Tributes have since poured in for the devastated family, with Kirra’s brother Byrdon Jones taking to Facebook to share his loss. “My poor little sister,” he wrote online.
“Words just don’t cut it at a time like this, so so sad,” someone replied. “I’m so sorry that this has happened,” commented another. “You are all in my thoughts every moment of the day.”
“If it were possible to ease the pain, I would do anything in my power,” wrote another. “My heart breaks for you and the rest of the family.”
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