Two suspicious deaths at Gurranang property, 32-year-old arrested in NSW investigation

Consensus Summary

Two men, a 79-year-old and a 59-year-old, were found dead at the same property in Gurranang, a rural area 25 kilometres north of Grafton, sparking a police investigation into suspected foul play. The first body, that of the 79-year-old, was discovered on September 13, with the second, a 59-year-old visitor, found either two weeks or 15 days later, depending on the source. Both outlets agree the deaths occurred within a short timeframe, with the second victim dying in the last 24 to 48 hours before discovery. Police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the cases, though no charges have been laid at this stage. The property, located on Summerland Way, has been treated as a crime scene, and detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad are leading the inquiry under the name Strike Force Faneel.

The investigation began after officers responded to reports of the 79-year-old’s body on September 13, establishing a crime scene to examine the circumstances of his death. When they returned to the property days later, they unexpectedly found the second body, leading Superintendent Joanne Schultz to describe the discovery as 'confronting' and 'extremely confronting,' depending on the source. Both outlets emphasize that the second victim was not local but had been visiting the property, and that the two men were acquainted. The timing of the discoveries—either two weeks or 15 days apart—highlights the urgency of the investigation, as police work to piece together what happened in the intervening period.

Key figures in the case include Superintendent Joanne Schultz, who has provided updates on the investigation, and the 32-year-old man arrested at Grafton Base Hospital. ABC reports the arrest occurred after the suspect was receiving medical treatment, while 7NEWS specifies it happened at approximately 12.20pm on Tuesday. Both sources confirm the man was taken to Grafton Police Station and remains in custody, though his exact relationship to the victims or the circumstances of his arrest have not been fully disclosed. Police have also noted that the injuries to both deceased men are consistent with foul play, though the full extent of the evidence remains under investigation.

While the core details of the case align between the two outlets, some discrepancies exist in the reporting. ABC refers to the bodies being found 'two weeks apart,' whereas 7NEWS specifies '15 days apart,' a minor but notable difference in precision. Additionally, 7NEWS provides exact times for the discoveries—3pm for the first body and 3.40pm for the second—while ABC does not include these specifics. The location of the second body also varies slightly: ABC does not specify where it was found, while 7NEWS states it was inside a shed. These differences, though minor, contribute to slight variations in how the timeline and scene are described.

As the investigation continues, police have urged anyone with information to come forward, with both outlets emphasizing the seriousness of the case. The 32-year-old suspect remains in custody, and detectives are expected to remain at the crime scene for several days as they gather evidence. The relationship between the suspect and the victims, as well as the full circumstances of the deaths, remain unresolved. Both ABC and 7NEWS stress that the case is significant, with Superintendent Schultz describing it as a 'large investigation' given the traumatic nature of the discoveries. The next steps will likely involve further forensic analysis, witness statements, and potential charges against the arrested man.