Rockhampton man charged with murder of wife and baby sought mental health treatment a year ago, minister says

Cause of death of Tayla Cox and baby Murphy remain unclear, as husband Matthew James Cox has first Queensland court appearance

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Queensland's health minister says a Rockhampton man charged with the murder of his wife and their 11-week-old daughter sought mental health treatment about a year ago" at the local hospital.

Matthew James Cox was arrested after walking into a Brisbane police station on Thursday, allegedly telling police his wife, Tayla, and daughter, Murphy, were dead at the property hundreds of kilometres away in Rockhampton.

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In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women's Aid. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org.