Deaths on gem fields caused by jealousy?

Press, 24 December 1986, Page 7

Deaths on gem fields caused by jealousy?

NZPA-AAP Rockhampton

The police believe jealousy might have caused the deaths of two central Queensland gem fossickers in what appears to have been a murder and suicide. The bodies of the two men, who had been close friends of 20 years, were found in their hut on the gem fields at Ruby Hill, near Anakie, on Sunday. The police said it appeared the men, both from Czechoslovakia, had died after a heavy drinking session on Friday. They were aged 40 and 43

but their names are being withheld until relatives in Czechoslovakia have been notified. The head of the Emerald C. 1.8., Detective Sergeant Ken Cant, said all evidence suggested the deaths were murder and suicide. “There is no known motive for a double murder, and the elder man had sAustl 0,000 worth of sapphires on his person,” Detective Sergeant Cant said.

He said a letter from a woman, produced by a man at the drinking party

on Friday, had apparently disturbed the younger of the two dead men. As well, one of the men had planned to visit friends at nearby Moranbah over Christmas.

Detective Sergeant Cant said shots were heard about 11 p.m. on Friday. A rifle used by the men for target practice was found in the hut.

The pair had lived at the gemfields for about 17 years, working their lease as hand miners, and were quiet but popular, Detective Sergeant Cant said.