In a tragic incident north of Brisbane, a 23-year-old woman was chased, assaulted, and fatally shot, sparking a manhunt for two suspects. The victim, Chloe Jade Mason, was described by her family as a strong, beautiful woman and an accomplished footballer. She was also remembered as an “incredible aunt” and “loyal sister” who had a significant impact on those around her.
The killing, which police are treating as a targeted attack, has left Mason’s family heartbroken, particularly in the lead up to the holiday season. “Chloe was our beautiful sister, we love her deeply and her loss is hard to come to terms with, this close to the holidays too,” said Hannah Mckone, Mason’s sister.
According to 9News, the incident occurred shortly before midnight in Caboolture. Mason was reportedly assaulted by two men. As she tried to escape, they pursued her down the street, firing several shots, one of which proved fatal. A witness reported hearing “about three or four gunshots and then a little bit of whimpering.”
While residents from another property on the street were questioned, detectives currently have no confirmed suspects or leads. They have yet to determine a motive for the attack or the reasons for Mason’s encounter with the men.
“We have a number of witnesses that are currently assisting us, however, we have no person in custody,” stated Detective Inspector David Harbison. A taskforce comprising local and specialist homicide detectives has been set up in an effort to provide answers to Mason’s grieving family.
Harbison described the incident as a tragic loss of a young life in a violent manner and vowed to get to the bottom of it. Despite the ongoing investigation, police believe the incident was targeted and poses no wider risk to the public. Senior police are urging those with information about the suspects to come forward. “A young 23 year-old has lost a life in tragic circumstances so do the right thing,” Harbison said.
