Queensland police have labelled the alleged murder of a 25-year-old Indigenous man a “callous” and “senseless act”.
WARNING: This story includes the name and image of an Indigenous person who has died.
Jai Gray’s body was found with multiple stab wounds at an abandoned quarry in Mount Ngungun in the Glass House Mountains on Tuesday.
Police will allege two men aged in their 20s, believed to be known to Mr Gray, lured the victim to a remote property where he was stabbed.
Mr Gray was first reported missing by his family on June 4 after last being seen at his home in Morayfield on May 28.
Four days later, on June 8, a crime scene was declared at Mr Gray’s home and four people known to him were interviewed by police.
A vehicle belonging to one of the four people was seized and declared a missing person’s crime scene.
By June 10, police feared Mr Gray had met with foul play and formally commenced a homicide investigation.
A day later, officers received a tip off that led them to an abandoned quarry near Mount Ngungun in the Glass House Mountains, where they located the body of Mr Gray.
Several search warrants were executed on the same day and two men aged in their 20s were arrested.
A 22-year-old man has been charged with one count of murder and one count of misconduct with corpse by interfering and is due to face Caboolture Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
A 19-year-old Caboolture man faces the same charges and is also listed to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court today.
Two other men known to Mr Gray are assisting police with inquiries.
‘Jai is very loved by his family and his friends’
Detective Inspector David Harbison said it was a “callous” and “brutal attack on a young person that posed no threat to anyone”.
“There’s no suggestion Jai knew what was going to happen to him.”
Mr Gray’s family said his death was a “tragic” and “devastating event”.
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In the days following his disappearance, his family took to social media to raise awareness.
It’s understood the 25-year-old had a history of seizures, a speech impairment, and was a NDIS user who was under a public trust.
“He’s always been a very vulnerable person and is always generous and loving,” Regina Jones, Mr Gray’s sister, said.
“We’re just glad that our family asked questions and pushed to find Jai.”
“Jai is very loved by his family and his friends and his community that he has made himself here in Caboolture,” Mr Gray’s sister, Christine Skeen said.
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