43-year-old Balwinder Ghuman, resident of Cairns, has been accused of stabbing his wife and mother-in-law to death.
He allegedly killed them after an argument at their home in Gordonvale on Monday. Queensland Police believes that alcohol played a part in what occurred.
Police also confirmed that the accused had consumed alcohol at the time of committing this crime.
Balwinder allegedly stabbed his wife, Manjinder and also his father-in-law, Sarwan Singh Ghuman, 72, when he came to save his daughter. He then chased his mother-in-law, Sukhwinder Ghuman, 66 outside their home and allegedly stabbed her in front of horrified neighbours, according to local media reports.
When Police arrived, they saw Balwinder 'quite agitated' and standing bare-chested, soaked in blood, outside on the street.
Balwinder’s wife and his mother-in-law were pronounced dead at the scene while his father-in-law and his 17-year-old daughter are currently being treated in hospital for injuries.
Detective Superintendent Ray Rohweder said it was believed a heated argument over her husband’s heavy drinking allegedly led to the deaths of Mrs Ghuman and her mother, and the knife attack on other victims.
“It highlights the problem with domestic violence in our community. It is believed the offender had been drinking alcohol. It may have been the catalyst for the argument,” he said.
He is expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
If you are the victim of domestic violence, or know someone who might be, please call on 1800 199 008.
