Woman Shot Dead by Police at Berriedale Home; Unidentified Body Found

A woman was shot and killed by police at a Berriedale residence on Thursday evening, in an incident that has left investigators with more questions than answers.

Kate Elizabeth Gibbons, 41, of Moonah, was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot twice by responding officers at approximately 5.27pm. Tasmania Police confirmed the shooting occurred after officers entered the property at 2 Wallcrest Road in response to an emergency call reporting a break-in in progress.

Police have not disclosed the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting, stating only that the incident is subject to mandatory review by the Professional Standards Command. Preliminary reports suggest Ms Gibbons was found inside the residence holding a knife and covered in blood.

"This is a tragic outcome and our thoughts are with the family of the deceased," Detective Inspector Sienna Blackwood said at a press conference on Friday morning. "A full investigation is underway, and we ask the public to allow that process to run its course before drawing conclusions."

Ms Gibbons, a mother of one, had no known connection to the property or its owner. Police confirmed Ms Gibbons had placed the initial emergency call reporting the break-in, but have not explained how she came to be inside the residence when officers arrived.

Unidentified Body Discovered

The situation inside 2 Wallcrest Road proved more complex than the initial emergency call suggested. Upon clearing the residence, officers discovered the body of an unidentified man in the lower level of the split-level home.

Forensic examination indicates the man died several days prior to Thursday's incident. The cause of death has not been released, pending coronial investigation. Police are working to establish the man's identity and have appealed for public assistance.

"We are treating this death as suspicious," DI Blackwood confirmed. "At this stage, we have no information linking this death to the other events that occurred at the property on Thursday evening."

Man Hospitalised

A third person found inside the residence, Benny Michael Salter, 36, of Glenorchy, was transported to Royal Hobart Hospital with serious injuries described as "deep lacerations consistent with animal attack."

Mr Salter underwent emergency surgery on Thursday night and remains in a serious but stable condition. Police have not yet been able to conduct a full interview regarding his presence at the property.

Animal Destroyed

In a development that has prompted speculation on social media, police confirmed that an animal was destroyed inside the residence after it "posed an immediate threat to officer safety."

DI Blackwood described the animal as "a large feline, potentially an exotic species." She declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

"We are working with wildlife authorities to identify the animal and determine its origin," she said. "At this stage, we believe it may have been an illegally kept exotic that escaped or was released. The animal's origin remains under investigation."

No exotic animal has been reported missing in Tasmania, according to records held by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.

The animal's remains have been secured for forensic examination.

Property Owner

The residence at 2 Wallcrest Road is owned by Luke Nathaniel Smith, 34. Mr Smith was not present during the incident. Police have confirmed Mr Smith is assisting with their inquiries but is not considered a suspect in relation to any aspect of the incident.

Neighbours described Mr Smith as quiet and rarely seen at the property. "He keeps to himself," said one resident who asked not to be named. "I couldn't tell you the last time I saw him there."

Witnesses Sought

Investigators are seeking to speak with two women observed fleeing the property shortly before police arrived. The women, who may have critical information about events inside the residence, are described as:

• A tall woman with dark hair, wearing a black jacket
• A shorter woman with blonde hair, wearing a red hooded jumper

"These women are not suspects at this time," DI Blackwood said. "However, we believe they may have witnessed events that are crucial to our understanding of what occurred. We urge them to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Community Reaction

The incident has shocked residents of the normally quiet Berriedale street. Several neighbours reported hearing what they believed to be gunshots on Thursday evening, followed by a significant police presence that continued into the early hours of Friday morning.

"It's terrifying," said Margaret Hollis, 67, who lives three doors from the property. "You don't expect something like this in a neighbourhood like ours."

The scene remained cordoned off on Friday afternoon, with forensic investigators continuing to process the property.

The Tasmanian Observer has contacted the family of Kate Gibbons for comment. A response had not been received at time of publication.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Tasmania Police or Crime Stoppers.