Perth man charged with murder after rural shooting death

Police charge 38yo Perth man with murder after Keysbrook shooting deathBy Lauren SmithTopic:HomicidePosted Sun 15 Nov 2026 at 7:36pmSun 15 Nov 2026 at 7:36pmMultiple police vehicles were sent to the property. (ABC News)In short:Police have charged a 38-year-old man with murder following a major security operation that was triggered by the killing of a 44-year-old man on a rural property south of Perth.Firearms were seized from the scene, and police say the two men were known to each other.What's next?The accused is due to appear in court on Monday. Police have charged a 38-year-old man with murder after a 44-year-old man was shot dead at a rural property in Perth's south, triggering a major security operation.The 38-year-old man, from Mount Richon, who was taken into custody on Saturday, will appear before the Armadale Magistrates Court on Monday. Police say the two men were known to each other.Police swarmed an orchard in Keysbrook after a serious incident. (ABC News)Heavily armed police swarmed the Hilltop Orchard property in Keysbrook, about 70 kilometres south-east of the CBD, after the incident. The victim's partner — a woman in her 40s — and her young son were inside the residence at the time of the shooting, but managed to flee to a neighbour's house where they called emergency services.Police said detectives had found three firearms inside the residence."These firearms remain the subject of ongoing investigations," the police said in a statement.The property was cordoned off as police contained the incident. (ABC News: Lauren Smith)Major police searchOn Saturday, dramatic aerial footage showed officers systematically searching multiple structures, including a house, shipping containers and tin sheds, to ensure there was no ongoing threat to the community. The 38-year-old man was found sitting in a vehicle at the property and was apprehended without incident, Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Cleal said. Two officers stood guard over the man who was placed inside a police vehicle. (ABC News)Police said they do not believe the man in custody was a licensed firearms holder.An aerial view of the property, which includes an orchard. (ABC News)"What has occurred in this house is tragic to say the least, and my thoughts go out to the family and friends who knew the deceased," Detective Senior Sergeant Cleal said on Saturday.At least eight police vehicles, forensics officers and three St John ambulance crews were sent to the scene.