Parents of Rockhampton man charged with murder of wife and newborn baby speak out as he goes to trial today

A man is due to appear in court on Friday on charges of murdering his wife and newborn baby.

Matthew Cox, 31, has spent the night in a Brisbane police cell charged with two domestic violence murders.

The bodies of his wife Tayla Cox, 30, and their newborn daughter Murphy Margaret, 11 weeks, were discovered by police Thursday morning at their home in Rockhampton, 400 miles away, during a welfare check.

Initial investigations indicate that the couple died on Tuesday afternoon and were found with cuts on their bodies.

Police allege that Cox flew to Brisbane that day and reportedly stayed in an apartment before turning himself in to Fortitude Valley Police two days later to report the death of his wife and daughter.

Tayla Cox (right), 30, and her baby daughter Murphy (centre) were found dead at their home in Rockhampton on Thursday. Her husband, Matthew (left), has been charged with murder

Police discovered the two bodies in Rockhampton's home during a welfare check

Police discovered the two bodies in Rockhampton’s home during a welfare check

Cox will appear before the Magistrates Court in Brisbane on Friday.

A crime scene is still set up at the Park Avenue house where the bodies of Mrs. Cox and her baby girl were found.

“A second crime scene was also identified at an apartment complex on Constance Street, Fortitude Valley, where the man is believed to have been staying,” a statement from the Queensland Police said.

“A vehicle was also seized at Rockhampton airport and taken for forensic examination.”

Police said there was no history of domestic violence between the couple as Cox’s heartbroken parents broke their silence over the tragedy.

“We have lost a beautiful daughter-in-law Tayla, as well as our beloved granddaughter Murphy,” said Denis Cox and Linda Lind.

“At this stage we have very few other details and are in an absolute state of shock.”

“We ask the media to respect our privacy as we grieve and try to process what happened.”

Matthew and Tayla Cox (pictured during her pregnancy) lived in Victoria before returning to Rockhampton after purchasing their home in November 2022.

Matthew and Tayla Cox (pictured during her pregnancy) lived in Victoria before returning to Rockhampton after purchasing their home in November 2022.

According to his Facebook, Matthew Cox (left) had been with Tayla since December 2015

According to his Facebook, Matthew Cox (left) had been with Tayla since December 2015

Officers said there was a large amount of blood at the disturbing scene

Officers said there was a large amount of blood at the disturbing scene

Mrs Cox, maiden name Black, grew up in Rockhampton and attended St Ursula’s College Yeppoon, reported The courier mail.

She was a repair coordinator for a construction company in Berserker, a suburb of Rockhampton. She was on maternity leave at the time of her death.

“Always be nice,” her Facebook bio says.

She and Cox lived in Victoria for some time during their relationship and, according to his Facebook, had been together for nearly eight years.

They moved back to Rockhampton after purchasing their three-bedroom Park Avenue home in November 2022.

The move came when Cox got a job at a local radio station while his wife took to Facebook to celebrate the purchase of their new home.

“New chapter, can’t wait to make so many amazing memories with our beautiful little family,” Taylah wrote

In February, she shared a happy photo of her husband rocking her baby bump while enjoying a break on Great Keppel Island.

“We can’t wait to meet you,” she wrote.

Matthew Cox (left) will appear before a court in Brisbane on Friday over the death of his wife (right) and their baby.  Pictured the couple in happier times

Matthew Cox (left) will appear before a court in Brisbane on Friday over the death of his wife (right) and their baby. Pictured the couple in happier times

Shortly after Queensland Police arrived on the Rockhampton property on Thursday morning, a crime scene was identified

Shortly after Queensland Police arrived on the Rockhampton property on Thursday morning, a crime scene was identified

Shortly after police arrived at the Park Avenue home Thursday morning, a crime scene was established.

“I will say it was quite a confrontational scene…two dead people to begin with, a dead baby is always confrontational,” Detective Darrin Shadlow told reporters.

“There was a large amount of blood.”

“They (detectives) will be on site for some time to investigate the crime scene and our investigation will continue.”

The tragedy has shocked the neighbors.

‘My stomach hurts. They are one of your common, sweet families,’ said one woman.

If you or someone you know needs support, call 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) or Lifeline on 131 114.

Matthew Cox and his wife Tayla welcomed the birth of their first child a few weeks ago

Matthew Cox and his wife Tayla welcomed the birth of their first child a few weeks ago