Chilling last posts of Maryborough, Queensland, mum found allegedly murdered at home: ‘Big year for us’
- Alana Martin, 30, believed murdered
- Ex-partner Daniel Holm, 43, charged
EXCLUSIVE
A mother who was allegedly murdered at home wrote a post just days ago revealing she was preparing for a “big year” ahead.
Alana Martin, 30, was reportedly murdered at a property on Old Gympie Road in Owanyilla, in Queensland’s Fraser Coast region, over the weekend.
Her ex-partner Daniel Noel Holm, 43, from Owanyilla, is said to have handed himself in at Maryborough police station about 5.30pm on Sunday.
Police then went to the house where they discovered Ms Martin’s body inside.
The couple was believed to be living together at the time Townsville Bulletin reports.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal Ms Martin was a loving mother to four young boys.
“She was a loving and caring mother who put her boys first,” said Meg Radford, Mrs. Martin’s sister.
Alana Martin, 30, (pictured) was found dead at a property in Maryborough on Sunday
Officers attended a property on Old Gympie Road (pictured) in Owanyilla after Mr Holm allegedly handed himself over to police
Just seven days ago, Mrs. Martin shared her last post on Facebook: a photo of two of her sons in their school uniforms.
“My big man and littlest man are starting high school today, and honey,” she wrote alongside a photo of two of her sons in their school uniforms.
“A big year for all of us this year.”
In recent years, Ms. Martin has seemed to be on an upward trajectory, sharing photos of her weight loss journey with friends and loved ones.
In 2020, she revealed that she was going through a great phase in her life and hoped it wouldn’t end.
“I’m feeling pretty good about life right now,” she said. “Hopefully it will last a little longer.”
Detective Inspector Wade Lee said police would file a report there were children in the house at the time of her death.
Detectives were still determining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
He urged anyone with dashcam video traveling around Old Gympie Road, the Bruce Highway and near the police station between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday to come forward.
Mrs. Martin was a mother of four children. A few days ago, she wrote a post saying she was bracing for a big year ahead as her kids return to school
They are also looking for images of a silver-green Toyota Camry, from the same period, that belonged to Ms Martin.
Det Insp Lee said police investigations and external reviews would be carried out to determine whether more could have been done to prevent Ms Martin’s death.
But in general, he called on community members to “speak out” if they witness a criminal act.
“We need to have these conversations in the broader community to keep people safe,” he said.
Mr Holm faced Maryborough Magistrates Court on Monday charged with one count of murder (domestic violence offence).
The case was adjourned for eight weeks to allow police to present a full summary of the evidence against Mr Holm.
He was taken into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 25.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
For confidential support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732