Romantic jealousy may have motivated Paul Carey to shoot two people, killing one and injuring another, before turning the gun on himself, Tasmania Police has said.
At a press conference on Sunday Detective Inspector Kim Steven confirmed jealousy was a motive police were investigating.
"Certainly, all three are known to each other and its the relationship connections that we are looking at and what motive or motives are within that," he said.
"Whether that be jealousy or along those lines, that's probably the area we are looking at, at this stage."
The woman who was injured in the shooting remains in the Launceston General Hospital in a stable condition.
Two children, a 10-year-old and a 12-month old, who were present in the home during the shooting have been placed in the care of their grandmother.
Detective Inspector Steven urged North West residents to surrender unused firearms to Tasmania Police.
Earlier on Sunday it was confirmed the Winchester shotgun the unlicensed Carey had used was unregistered, and that he acquired it in the past three months.
"I want to make a plea for anyone who might have one of these unregistered guns that have been part of families or they have come across in the last decades, sitting in the back of the shed, in their roof, wherever it is, to have a think and please hand them in under the amnesty," he said.
"It may prevent one of these things from happening in the future."
- For those seeking help, Family Violence Counselling and Support Service is available on 1800 608 122 from 9am to midnight weekdays, and 4pm to midnight on weekends and public holidays.
- Telephone and online counselling is available at 1800 RESPECT or by calling 1800 737 732
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Rodney Woods
I'm excited to have joined The Advocate team having grown up reading the publication. I have experience in agricultural, general and sport reporting during my time in northern Victoria. If you have a story idea, contact me at: rodney.woods@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I'm excited to have joined The Advocate team having grown up reading the publication. I have experience in agricultural, general and sport reporting during my time in northern Victoria. If you have a story idea, contact me at: rodney.woods@austcommunitymedia.com.au
