A manhunt is currently underway for two men believed to have chased down and shot 23-year-old Chloe Jade Mason, affectionately known as Ceejay, on Railway Parade, Caboolture, shortly after midnight on December 22, 2024. This tragic incident unfolded just three days before Christmas, leaving her family and friends to mourn the loss of someone they described as much-loved and irreplaceable.
Emergency services received the distress call around 12:10 am, arriving at the scene only to find Chloe unconscious and not breathing on the footpath. Paramedics worked tirelessly to revive her but were unable to do so. She was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting immediate action from the police.
Detective Inspector David Harbison, who is leading the investigation under the task force named Operation Whiskey Cortland, stated, “Early investigations indicate the deceased was assaulted by two male persons who may have chased her down Railway Parade.” Authorities are treating Mason’s death as suspicious and have classified it as homicide, emphasizing their belief she knew her assailants.
Residents reported hearing several gunshots prior to the unsettling discovery of Chloe’s body. According to one witness, she heard “about three or four gunshots and then a little bit of whimpering.” Detective Harbison confirmed they are investigating reports of multiple shots fired during the assault, though as of now, no suspects are officially identified.
Family members are devastated by the loss. “Chloe was our beautiful sister; we love her deeply, and her loss is hard to come to terms with, this close to the holidays too,” expressed her sister, Hannah McKone. Reflecting on Chloe’s character, she described her as “an incredible aunt to her nieces and nephews and a loyal sister.” Hannah is currently running a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs, stating, “Being so close to Christmas, her family has no savings or financial means to give her a funeral.”
Chloe’s family has been vocal about their grief and the void her loss has left. Another sister, Danni Mason, remarked, “This loss has devastated our family; we struggle to come to terms with this so close to the holidays. She was loved by many and will be missed forever.” These heartfelt statements highlight not only the love they had for Chloe but also the enormity of their grief.
Authorities continue to seek the public’s help, urging anyone with information about the incident or any suspicious activities on Railway Parade during the relevant time to reach out. Detective Harbison stated, “Every little bit of information could be pivotal to us.” Investigators are particularly interested in dashcam footage recorded between 11:40 pm on December 21 and shortly after midnight on December 22.
Police are canvassing the neighborhood, knocking on doors and speaking with residents to gather possible leads. Many locals have stepped forward as witnesses, yet, so far, no arrests have been made, leaving the close-knit community on edge following the violent attack.
The attack has highlighted the sensitivity surrounding violence against women. According to Sherele Moody, a journalist and femicide researcher, Chloe is the 99th woman to be killed in Australia this year alone. Chloe’s story is one of tragic loss amid reported rising violence against women, igniting calls for awareness and action.
Tributes have been pouring in from friends and family, painting Chloe as a loving and strong individual. One friend reflected on her nature, “You would’ve been the most amazing mother. Grieving the life you never got to have and the experiences we didn’t get the chance to share.”
This heartbreaking event serves as both a personal tragedy for those who knew and loved Chloe and a stark reminder of the fight against violence plaguing communities. The police’s commitment to justly resolving Chloe's case provides some assurance, yet the void left by her untimely death will resonate within her family and friends for years to come.
Anyone with potentially helpful information is urged to contact Queensland Police or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Chloe's family continues to hope for justice as they navigate through their grief.
