Aaron Cockman, the grieving father of the four children killed in a suspected murder-suicide on an Osmington property has spoken publicly for the first time today.
His children Taye aged 13, Ryan, 12, Arye, 10, and Kadyn, eight were found dead inside the Miles family house along with Cockman’s estranged wife Katrina Miles and her mother, 58-year-old Cynda.
Speaking outside the Margaret River police station Cockman said he felt “tremendous sadness” over the death of his children.
“I could talk about my kids all day – Taye is a beautiful girl,” he said.
“I’ve lost everything in my life.”
Cockman said the last time he saw his children was when they watched the Avengers together two weekends ago.
Peter Miles, the children’s grandfather and Cockman’s father-in-law, was also found dead on the property from suspected suicide.
“Peter didn’t snap. He’s thought this through. I think he’s been thinking this through for a long time,” he said.
“All these kids died peacefully in their beds. The [police officer] that went through, he said they looked all peaceful. How the hell Peter did that I still can’t figure out, but if someone did it … he did a good job, he did a really good job.”
Cockman told reporters he had not spoken to Peter or Cynda “since they cut me off from my kids,” but said he no longer felt anger anymore, just sadness.
“I still love who Peter was. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have Katrina, I wouldn’t have her kids… I got on so well with him, he was like my best friend.”
When police arrived on the Osmington property, they discovered all seven people had died of gunshot wounds. On Saturday, police confirmed three firearms were found on the premises, all registered to Peter Miles.
If you, or someone you know, requires mental health support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or visit BeyondBlue.org.au. For emergency support, contact 000 immediately.
