A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of Greg Josephson, a 58-year-old businessman and co-founder of the Universal Store, during a teenage party at Josephson's Brisbane mansion.
According to Breitbart, Queensland police allege that an altercation between the teen and Josephson during the Thursday night event led to the fatal incident, with a household item—not a knife—used in the stabbing.
The gathering took place in Brisbane and was reportedly held to celebrate the end of the local school term. About 30 teenagers were present at the home when the incident occurred. Authorities confirmed that the accused teenager had a connection with Josephson and was not an unfamiliar guest at the party. Law enforcement says the confrontation happened just after 8 p.m. at the residence. Emergency services were called by the suspect using triple zero, Australia's emergency number. By the time authorities arrived, Josephson was found deceased inside his home.
According to Queensland Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman, the situation involved a conflict between the boy and Josephson that escalated quickly. “There was some sort of altercation that resulted in this 58-year-old male tragically losing his life,” Wildman stated.
Teen Reportedly Fled Before Being Found Nearby
In the moments after the incident, many of the teenagers at the party were unaware of the violence that had occurred. Police said the gathering was large, and confusion followed the fatal episode. Investigators later located the teenage suspect just a few blocks away from the scene. The accused was taken into custody without incident and has since been formally charged with murder. Authorities say he is currently being held in detention without the option of bail due to the seriousness of the charges.
Queensland police clarified that the murder weapon was a domestic object, and not a knife. This distinction was made public after speculation arose, especially in light of recent laws passed in Queensland in September 2024, which banned minors from purchasing knives.
Surveillance Reportedly Shows Additional Details
Authorities confirmed that the young suspect was recorded on surveillance cameras at a café just hours after the violent episode. Specifics about his activities in the footage have not been released, but this detail is now part of the official investigation.
Investigators also noted that the boy had a minor injury, but due to his age, limited information is being shared publicly. Officers continue to interview witnesses and comb for more evidence to better understand how the evening took such a tragic turn. The news has sent a shockwave through the local community, as well as among those connected to the Universal Store company. Josephson was well-known in Australia's retail clothing sphere and played a pivotal role in launching and expanding the youth-focused clothing chain.
The Victim Was a Well-Known Retail Entrepreneur
Josephson founded Universal Store and maintained an active role in the growing clothing company until he stepped away from day-to-day operations in 2018. His contributions to the business helped it become a recognizable brand in Australia. Following news of his death, Universal Store released an official statement mourning the loss of their founder. “We wanted to share the sad news that Greg Josephson, who founded our company and played a significant role until 2018, has recently passed away,” the message read.
“Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with his family at this very sad time,” the statement continued. The company’s message reflected the deep impact Josephson had on the brand and the team who worked with him over the years.
Details of Party and Motive Still Emerging
While police have confirmed many details about the timeline and individuals involved, the motive for the confrontation remains unclear. Officials have stated that an altercation occurred, but the reasons behind the dispute have yet to be disclosed. Investigators are currently reviewing all available evidence, including interviews with party attendees and surveillance footage. As the alleged perpetrator is a minor, authorities are restricted in the amount of information they can publicly reveal.
The tragedy has drawn attention not only for the loss of a respected entrepreneur but also for raising ongoing questions about youth behavior, event supervision, and the effectiveness of legal measures already in place.
Public Reaction and Next Steps in the Case
The incident has generated a strong reaction from the public, with many expressing shock that such an act could occur at a school-themed gathering. Others are waiting for more information to understand how events escalated so drastically that evening.
As of now, the teenage suspect faces murder charges and is expected to appear in court in line with juvenile justice procedures. The case is drawing increased public and media scrutiny, while police urge anyone with additional information to come forward. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and hope that continued cooperation from witnesses and the community will provide a clearer picture of what happened on Thursday night in Brisbane.
