#DC-0116
Matthew James Cox
Charged · allegations
last updated 2 August 2026 · 2 sources
Confirmed facts
9
Open questions
3
Charges
2
Trial date
TBD
This case is still developing. Get an email when the file updates.
Timeline of what's confirmed9 entries
8 August 2023
ABC reported that the alleged murders of Tayla Black, 30, and 11-week-old Murphy are alleged to have taken place on this date.
ABC News
8 August 2023
ABC reported that Matthew James Cox travelled on a flight from Rockhampton to Brisbane on this date, and passengers from that flight were among witnesses later cross-examined at the committal hearing.
ABC News
10 August 2023
ABC reported that Matthew James Cox presented himself to a police station in Brisbane.
ABC News
10 August 2023
ABC reported that Rockhampton police found the bodies of Tayla Black and Murphy at a Bean Street property in Park Avenue after being alerted by Brisbane police.
ABC News
21 August 2023
ABC reported that Matthew James Cox appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court by video link and was represented by defence lawyer Eleanor Meany.
ABC News
21 August 2023
ABC reported that a brief of evidence was ordered during Matthew James Cox's Brisbane Magistrates Court appearance.
ABC News
27 July 2026
ABC reported that a committal hearing began before Magistrate Peter Kuskie at Rockhampton Magistrates Court.
ABC News
28 July 2026
ABC reported that the two-day committal hearing involved 19 witnesses cross-examined in person and by video link, including members of Matthew James Cox's family, Tayla Black's family, and passengers from the 8 August 2023 Rockhampton-to-Brisbane flight.
ABC News
28 July 2026
ABC reported that Magistrate Peter Kuskie found the evidence sufficient to put Matthew James Cox on trial for an indictable offence, committed him for trial in the Rockhampton Supreme Court of Queensland on a date to be determined, and remanded him in custody.
ABC News
Open questionsunconfirmed · not conclusions
What date will the Rockhampton Supreme Court trial begin?unconfirmed; ABC reported the trial date was still to be determined · unconfirmed
What plea, if any, will be entered in the Supreme Court proceeding?unconfirmed; ABC reported Matthew James Cox said 'No, your honour' when asked at committal if he wished to enter a plea or say anything · unconfirmed
What evidence will be admitted at trial?unconfirmed; ABC reported evidence was considered at committal but did not report final trial rulings · unconfirmed
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