WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson. Photo: AAP
Camera IconWA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson. Photo: AAP Credit: Supplied/AAPIMAGE

Margaret River shooting: three guns recovered from scene, Commissioner names victims

Greig JohnstonMandurah Coastal Times

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson has named the seven people found dead in Friday’s horrific tragedy in Osmington near Margaret River, suspected to be a murder-suicide.

The Commissioner said that while the formal process of identification wasn’t complete, he confirmed police believed all seven people were from the same family.

He identified the deceased as Peter John Miles (61), Cynda Miles (58), their daughter Katrina Miles (35), her daughter Taye Cockman (13) and sons Rylan Cockman (12), Ayre Cockman (10) and Kayden Cockman (8).

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Commissioner Dawson said three firearms were recovered from the property, all of which were licensed to Peter Miles.

“Only one victim was found outside of buildings,” he told reporters in Margaret River.

“A female adult was found deceased inside the main house and a female adult and four children were found deceased in what I would describe as a converted shed structure.

“Police do not believe any other person is involved in these crimes.”

Police said the call which alerted them to the tragedy came from the Osmington property.

“At 5.15am yesterday morning, police received a triple 0 emergency call from a male person,” Commissioner Dawson said.

“We know where the call was made from, we know whose phone it was made from.

“I’ve listened to the message, I’ve been briefed by the homicide officers.

“While we have come to some preliminary conclusions, I’m satisfied that from the briefing I’ve received from the homicide detectives as to the circumstances regarding that.”

Relatives of the family released a statement requesting privacy.

“We are devastated by this shocking event,” it said.

“We are stunned and still trying to understand how this could happen.

“We respectfully ask that the community refrain from speculating on the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“We thank the community for their support and ask that our privacy is respected as we grieve.”

Commissioner Dawson said the Margaret River community had banded together to help those affected.

“Community centres have opened their doors to provide support,” he said.

“We know that the members of this family were deeply connected to the town of Margaret River.

“Many people who know the family are deeply feeling the loss.”

If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.