The community rallied around two little girls following the death of a woman who was allegedly shot by her neighbor in front of them. Natalie Frahm, 34, was killed in her driveway in Mackay, Queensland, on Wednesday afternoon.
She was reportedly shot by her neighbor, Ryan Cole, as she was getting into her car.
The girls, who were aged 11 and 12, managed to escape from the vehicle and alerted the police.
Cole was also accused of shooting a man who came to the aid of Frahm after she asked for help. James McGill, 66, was hit in the chest and hand by Cole’s weapon.
He is currently in a stable condition after undergoing surgery.
According to the police, Cole was a neighbor of Frahm, but he didn’t know her. The incident has shocked the entire community.
The mayor of Mackay, Greg Williamson, said the community is in shock and is struggling to come to terms with the incident.
The victim’s parents have arrived from Mount Isa and have started to leave flowers at her home in South Mackay.
Frahm was remembered as an active participant in her local boxing club, and she was known for her kindness and infectious smile.
The organization posted a message about her on its Facebook page, which noted that she would always help out in any way she could. The page had raised over $9000 by Friday afternoon.
The community of South Mackay has rallied around the two young girls who were shot by Cole.
They were able to escape from the car and alerted the police. The mayor of the region, Greg Williamson, praised the girls’ bravery and noted that Mr. McGill also went to the aid of the victims after they called for help.
He praised the actions of the community, saying that it was a typical response by Australians.
Cole is accusedof shooting Mr. McGill and Frahm before driving away. The incident triggered an emergency lockdown and a manhunt involving the police.
Cole was eventually apprehended at a service station. He was charged with attempted murder and murder.
According to Mr. Williamson, the community was initially on edge due to the incident, and they are trying to come to terms with it now.
He said the local residents would support the girls and start the healing process.
The mayor noted that the community is close-knit. It will take some time to come to termswith the incident, but the members of the community will rally around the victims and their families.
The police are also trying to piece together how Cole was able to obtain a gun after his license for weapons was revoked.
Steven Miles, the Queensland Premier, said that he would consider a request from the police to strengthen gun laws in the state.
Cole appeared in court on Thursday and was sent to custody.