Man charged with DV murder after allegedly shooting Gold Coast mother who could ‘light up any room’

A young mother was killed in an alleged domestic violence murder on the Gold Coast, leaving her two-year-old son without a mother. Mallorie Jane Roberts, 23, was found with gunshot wounds at a home in Biggera Waters on Sunday evening.

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a beautiful young mother

Emergency services responded after a neighbor's call, but despite the efforts of first responders, Roberts was pronounced dead at the scene. Police arrested Ethan Midgley, 23, at the residence. He faces charges of domestic violence-related murder and unlawful possession of weapons used in the commission of an indictable offense.

Detective acting Inspector Leia Urquhart described the scene as "pretty confronting." She confirmed that police had attended the Biggera Waters address in the past, and that the background of both the victim and the accused is part of the ongoing investigation. The accused man is not the father of the child.

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such a beautiful young mum

Friends and support organizations have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Haylee Harris, a friend of the victim's family, remembered Roberts as "a beautiful young mum" with a smile that "could light up any room." She has set up a GoFundMe page to support Roberts' family. The Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Alliance highlighted that such tragedies impact entire communities and reaffirmed every woman's right to safety.

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Mallorie had a beautiful smile that could light up any room, she was so funny

Midgley appeared in Southport Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody. His case is scheduled for a further hearing in July. Police seized a homemade, unregistered firearm allegedly used in the shooting.

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Her little son was her whole world – he’s got no mother now, he’s only two, so I can only imagine what he’s going through.