Nathaniel Train
(Picture: NSW Police)The father of brothers who shot dead three people including two police officers in Australia has revealed they were “obsessed” with guns as children.
Gareth and Nathaniel Train opened fire at a remote property in Wieambilla, Queensland, in an ambush around 4.45pm local time on Monday, killing two officers and one neighbour.
The brothers and Gareth’s wife Stacey Train were later shot dead by police, following a siege that lasted around six hours.
Speaking to Australian television programme A Current Affair, Gareth and Nathaniel’s father, Ronald Train, told how the brothers cut ties with the family when they were in their 20s, leaving him and his late wife “heartbroken”.
The retired baptist pastor said the brothers, who were two of four children, had always been close. But he described Gareth, the older of the pair, as “very volatile, very controlling”.
“We had troubles with him at school in Brisbane and troubles with him at school here in Toowoomba, which we had to address,” Ronald told A Current Affair. “He was difficult to control.”
He added that Gareth was “obsessed with guns and weapons”, while Nathaniel was too “to a lesser degree”, and told how the pair would go shooting for animals including kangaroos and rabbits.
He also revealed that Gareth’s wife Stacey had initially been married to Nathaniel, who was until recently head teacher at a primary school.
Ronald had “absolutely no idea” that Stacey had ended up with Gareth.
“I just think in the end that he [Gareth] took over that relationship that Nathaniel and Stacey had,” he said.
Ronald had also been unaware that Nathaniel was living with Gareth and his ex-wife, and that Gareth had developed a deep hatred of the police, and interest in conspiracy theories.
He said he would not describe his sons as “monsters”, adding: “I’d describe them as two boys who have completely lost their way in life.”
He said he feels “sorry” for his sons’ actions but asked for “compassion and understanding” as he and his remaining family come to terms with what happened.
The officers killed on Monday have been named as Constables Rachel McCrow, 29, and Matthew Arnold, 26. It is thought they had arrived at the property to investigate reports of a missing person when they were ambushed by the Trains.
Two other officers who attended the scene were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train were killed by police shortly after 10.30pm local time.
Queensland Police commissioner Katarina Carroll fought back tears at a news conference about the incident.
“Tragically, this is the largest loss of life we have suffered in one single incident in recent times,” she said.
Police Union president Ian Leavers said the dead officers had “no chance” when fired upon.
“To know that she and he are no longer with us in what was a ruthless, calculated and targeted execution of our colleagues and loved ones brings home the very real risks that we face every single day doing our jobs,” he said in a video, according to the broadcaster.
“They were executed by remorseless, ruthless killers.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described “terrible scenes in Wieambilla and a heartbreaking day for the families and friends of the Queensland Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty”.
