The new owners of the infamous rural Queensland property where two police officers and an innocent neighbour were murdered by conspiracy theorists have claimed they initially knew nothing of the property’s horrific past.
The couple, who declined to be identified, told 9News they were drawn to the block for its size and affordability, viewing it as an investment opportunity and a place to visit with family.
The house in Wieambilla where two police officers and an innocent neighbour were murdered by conspiracy theorists has been sold. Nine
In December 2022, police officers responded to a missing persons report at the isolated property in Wieambilla on the Western Downs and were ambushed by conspiracy theorists Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train.
Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were killed and neighbour Alan Dare was also gunned down.
The off-grid house has sat abandoned for the past three and a half years but was recently listed for sale by Stacey and Nathaniel’s son Aidan Train.
The 40-hectare block on Wains Road was listed for offers over $190,000.
The Queensland Police Union (QPU) attempted to negotiate to purchase the property but those talks failed and a private sale was negotiated with the couple from Agnes Water.
The Train family tree. 9News
The families of the slain officers have condemned the sale as an “insult” to their loved ones’ memory and want the house torn down and the property turned into a sacred site.
The couple do not plan to demolish the house but have vowed to keep it maintained and “be respectful of the property and the lives lost on it”.
They have said a tribute to McCrow and Arnold could be established on the property with the blessing of the families.
Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were executed at Wieambilla in 2022 by religious extremists. Queensland Police Service
The QPU said in a statement it welcomed the new owners’ willingness to consider a memorial.
An existing memorial for Dare will remain in place.
“It’s exactly what Alan and I did,” widow Kerry Dare said.
The house is not connected to the electricity grid, and has no running water. Nine
“We bought out here for our children and our grandchildren.
“I’m glad they’ll let me leave (the memorial).
“Just so that I can come down when I’m feeling out of sorts or when I wanna remember that it is a special place.”