In what police describe as “one of the worst crime scenes” they’ve encountered, a 40-year-old man has been charged with the domestic violence murder of his elderly mother in The Gap.
Mother Found with Fatal Stab Wounds
Cecilia Webb, 79, was discovered unresponsive in the front yard of her Chestnut Place home shortly before 4:30pm on Monday. Despite emergency services being called to the property, she was declared dead at the scene with what Detective Acting Inspector Michael Jones described as “quite horrific” injuries.
“She was stabbed multiple times,” Inspector Jones said. “I’ve been an investigator for over 20 years, and it was one of the worst crime scenes I’ve seen.”
Police allege Ms. Webb was attacked with a Japanese cooking knife that her son had recently purchased, and that she suffered defensive wounds while trying to protect herself.
Son Arrested While Allegedly Attempting to Flee
Alexander Clive Webb, 40, a Victorian resident born in London, was arrested by Australian Federal Police at Brisbane International Airport Monday evening. Dramatic footage released by police shows officers pinning Webb to the ground outside the international terminal, with his hands appearing bandaged and bloody as he was taken into custody.
According to police, Webb had purchased a ticket to Tokyo after the alleged murder.
“It was booked after the incident had occurred,” Inspector Jones confirmed, adding that investigators were unaware of any connections Webb might have to Tokyo.
Aftermath of the Attack
Following the alleged stabbing, police say Webb sought first aid at a nearby residence for an injury to his hand before going to another property where he “washed himself down” with a garden hose. Local resident Brian Say told reporters he had unknowingly hosed away blood from his concrete driveway, thinking children had cut themselves.
Webb allegedly then took an Uber to an address in South Brisbane, followed by a second Uber to the airport.
Community in Shock
Neighbours described Ms. Webb as a kind woman who had lost her husband about 18 months ago. She was often seen gardening and had been receiving support from community members who helped with shopping and yard work.
“Everyone was kind of rallying around her in the street,” said neighbour Ross Parker. “I didn’t believe it, that it could happen in this neighbourhood in particular… to happen to such a lovely lady, it just didn’t make any sense.”
The incident sparked a major police operation throughout The Gap, including helicopter searches and dog squad deployment.
sCourt Proceedings
Webb made no appearance at his brief court mention in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The case has been adjourned until April 22. Police say Webb refused to be interviewed by detectives.
Inspector Jones has appealed for anyone with information relating to Cecilia Webb or her son to come forward as investigations continue.
Published 25-March-2025
