A firearm was seized after a shopkeeper allegedly shot a woman to death outside her home and wounded a good Samaritan who had tried to help.
Ryan Geoffrey Cole, 31, allegedly shot his neighbor Natalie Jane Frahm, 34, in the head and chest as she pulled up in her car outside her home on Robb Place in South Mackay, Queensland, last Wednesday evening.
He is also accused of shooting James Trevor McGill, 66, who rushed to Ms. Frahm’s aid after two teenagers who were in her car raised the alarm at the time.
Investigators searched Cole’s home on the same street and removed several items, including three weapons, which will undergo forensic testing.
Acting Detective Superintendent Emma Novosel said police believe a .22 caliber pistol was used during the alleged attack.
Police believe they have located a .22 caliber pistol allegedly used in the shooting death of Natalie Jane Frahm (pictured) outside her home in South Mackay on Wednesday.
Superintendent Novosel said police also discovered an “inoperable, homemade, long-arm air rifle” in the house, according to the mail.
Police relied on conversations with McGill, eyewitnesses and forensic experts to rule out the two rifles as the alleged murder weapon.
It is now believed that all of Cole’s firearms have been confiscated, however questions remain over how he obtained them despite having his firearms license taken away in 2021.
‘This person had firearms illegally. His gun license had been cancelled. “The police had taken those weapons from him,” said Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan.
“Part of the investigation will look at how he may have come into possession of this illegal firearm… but we have to allow police to do that job.”
Superintendent Novosel said none of the weapons found in Cole’s home are “currently or previously registered.”
“Investigations are being carried out into the origin of the gun,” he said.
Superintendent Novosel was unable to comment on whether any checks had been carried out on Cole after his license was taken away.
Daily Mail Australia understands that the property where Cole lived is owned by his mother, however it is unclear if she also resided on the premises.
Ryan Geoffrey Cole (pictured) is accused of shooting Ms Frahm in the head and chest before shooting Good Samaritan James Trevor McGill, 66, in the chest.
Police allegedly found the pistol and two other rifles in Cole’s home even though his firearms license was revoked in 2021 (pictured, police at the scene)
Mrs Frahm moved to Mackay several years ago from her hometown of Mount Isa, located 1,230 kilometers west in outback Queensland.
A heartbroken friend paid tribute to the woman online, describing her as a “beautiful angel”.
The tragedy has rocked the quiet seaside suburb, which was forced into a massive three-hour emergency lockdown while police searched for the suspected shooter.
Superintendent Novosel previously said Cole was known to police and there was no clear motive for the alleged shootings.
Police investigations also revealed that Cole and Frahm did not know each other before the alleged attack.
He appeared at Mackay Magistrates Court last Thursday via CCTV video link, charged with murder and attempted murder.
He appeared in court again on Friday morning and was remanded in custody until September.