Cairns Tragedy: Girl’s Haunting Words After Murder-Suicide
- A Mount Sheridan community is reeling after a suspected murder-suicide involving a local couple.
- The couple's nine-year-old daughter reportedly sought help from neighbors shortly after gunshots were heard.
- Lancini expressed disbelief, stating there were no warning signs.
A suspected murder-suicide has left a Cairns community reeling. Krystel and James Paul were discovered dead in their Mount Sheridan home, prompting a police examination into the tragic event. Their nine-year-old daughter’s haunting words, seeking help from neighbors after the gunshots, have cast a long shadow over the community. The police, who are treating this case as a suspected murder-suicide, are trying to piece together what drove this couple to take such grave actions. News Directory 3 confirms the couple had no history of domestic violence, creating more questions than answers, as authorities continue examining the evidence. Discover what’s next as officials work to understand the circumstances and offer support to the impacted family.
Cairns Couple Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide
Updated May 28, 2025
A Mount Sheridan community is reeling after a suspected murder-suicide involving a local couple. Police discovered the bodies of Krystel and James Paul, both 41, at their home on Verbena Drive Tuesday night after a welfare check. The childhood sweethearts were found with gunshot wounds in separate rooms.
The couple’s nine-year-old daughter reportedly sought help from neighbors shortly after gunshots were heard. Danna Lancini, a neighbor, recounted how the distraught girl arrived at her doorstep, struggling to explain that her mother was dead. Lancini said she comforted the child, who stated her father had sent her there.
The incident has deeply shaken the Cairns region. Lancini expressed disbelief, stating there were no warning signs. Another neighbor, Cooper Smith, lamented the tragedy, especially the impact on the couple’s daughter.
Verbena Drive, just south of Cairns, is where the shooting took place
Detective Acting Inspector Alina Bell described the scene as “traumatizing.” She confirmed that the girl is not believed to have witnessed the shootings but was aware of the incident before seeking help. According to Bell, a family member’s call prompted the police welfare check.
Authorities indicated that the Pauls had no prior history of domestic violence or mental health issues and were not known to police. Bell acknowledged that problems can remain hidden, but investigations have not revealed any indications of domestic violence in the relationship.
Krystel and James Paul were childhood sweethearts and well known in the Cairns community
Krystel Paul owned the Chanel Jaymes Bridal Boutique in Carins
Multiple firearms, all registered to James Paul, were found at the residence. The couple’s daughter is now in the care of family members, who are receiving support.
Krystel Paul was shot dead by her husband on Tuesday night in a suspected murder suicide
Police are continuing their examination into the tragic incident to determine the circumstances and provide answers to the family. Thay are urging anyone with data or relevant footage to come forward.
Krystel Paul was the owner of Chanel Jaymes bridal Boutique in Cairns, which she opened in 2019. James Paul operated JP painting contractors for over a decade.
What’s next
The investigation into the Cairns couple’s death continues as authorities seek to understand the factors that led to this devastating event and provide closure for the family and the wider community affected by this tragedy. support services are being offered to those impacted.