Keysbrook Homicide Investigation: Woman and Child Flee as Man Is Shot Dead

Homicide squad detective senior sergeant Stephen Cleal said police were still working out the relationship between the two men. He confirmed the victim and the woman had been in a relationship.

Cleal said the woman and child were uninjured but had been through an ordeal. "I can tell you that they're uninjured, but I can also tell you that they've been confronted with something very horrific," he said.

Police later walked the woman and child down the driveway. The woman wore a blue forensic jumpsuit, and the pair left in an unmarked police car.

Officers recovered a firearm at the property. It is understood the man in custody is not a licensed firearm holder and was cooperating with police on Saturday afternoon.

The property is an old orchard surrounded by dense bushland. Armed officers searched outbuildings as detectives and forensic crews worked the scene into Saturday evening, behind police tape at the top of the dirt turnoff.

Cleal warned the inquiry would take time. "I've not given forensics any timeline to work towards, this is going to be significant, this is going to be thorough, and this is going to take time," he said.

He said police could remain in Keysbrook for days, depending on what forensic experts find. He also praised the first responders, describing the response as a difficult one for a specialist unit that deals with firearms incidents.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online. Information can be given anonymously.