Two men, aged 80 and 53, and a woman, aged 81, have been charged following a protracted investigation into what Queensland Police say was the “aided suicide” death of a 43-year-old man at Hope Island in April.
An investigation was launched in July after Queensland Police received correspondence from the Coroner’s Office regarding the man’s cause of death.
Toxicology results from a post-mortem examination confirmed the man died from acute pentobarbitone toxicity, a veterinary euthanasia drug listed as a schedule two substance under the Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987.
Investigations were complex, with Detectives from Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch and the Homicide Investigation Unit conducting extensive inquiries into the man’s health, care, and treatment in the period leading up to his death, as well as the circumstances of his death.
Police will allege a 53-year-old Main Beach man supplied the victim with a drug for the purpose of ending his life. The man has been charged with two counts of aiding suicide and one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying. He is due to reappear at Southport Magistrates Court on 18 September.
An 81-year-old Southport woman has been charged with one count each of aiding suicide, trafficking dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and sale of potential harmful things. She is due to reappear at Southport Magistrates Court on 16 September.
An 80-year-old Ashmore man has been charged with one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs. He is due to reappear at Southport Magistrates Court on 26 September.
Detective Inspector Mark Mooney of Gold Coast CIB said the matter had been an extensive undertaking.
“This has been a large-scale and complex investigation involving detectives from multiple specialist units,” Det Insp Mooney said.
“The alleged offender is deliberately targeting vulnerable people, taking advantage of them in their most desperate moments.
“Queensland has very strict legal processes in place for people who are considering end-of-life options. These safeguards exist to ensure proper oversight, consent and protection for those involved.
“Circumventing those processes undermines the protections in place and puts lives at risk.”
Detective Inspector Mooney said investigators are now examining additional deaths.
“So far, detectives are looking into numerous other deaths dating back to 2021 where it is alleged the defendant has had dealings with the deceased person. We believe this number could grow as the investigation continues,” he said.
Police are appealing for information.
“We urge anyone who may have information relevant to this investigation or who have engaged with a business called End of Life Services to come forward and speak with detectives,” Det Insp Mooney said.
