Suspect behind double murder revealed as former deputy mayor
A former Victorian deputy mayor is recovering in hospital after it’s alleged he murdered his brother before shooting his mother dead.
Police allege that Paul Cohrs, 58, drove to a property at Rufus in southwest NSW and fatally shot his brother Ray while tying up a real estate agent.
He then drove to Red Cliffs, south of Mildura in Victoria, where he allegedly shot his 82-year-old mother Bette at her property.
Ms Cohrs was looking after a little boy – most likely her grandson – at the time.
Victoria Police Inspector Kevin Coughlan said a four-year-old boy was removed from the home “fairly quickly”.
Police allege Mr Cohrs then returned to Rufus in NSW, freed the real estate agent he had tied up and attempted suicide.
Mr Cohrs remains in a critical but stable condition in The Alfred Hospital.
Insp Coughlan said NSW Police have three crime scenes on the property in Rufus.
The real estate agent, whom NSW Police Detective Superintendent Paul Smith described as “traumatised”, raised the alarm.
Mr Cohrs, a former deputy mayor of Wentworth, is well enough to speak with police but detectives have spoken with the real estate agent and other members of the family.
Pictures of a white Toyota Landcruiser have been released with registration plates 1IP4ET by NSW Police.
Investigators are urging anyone who saw the Toyota near the two crime scenes to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Mensline 1300 789 978.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
