Two months following the sudden death of his pregnant wife, Ray McQueen allegedly proposed to the family’s teenage babysitter that she move into his home in a relationship he described as “husband and wife.” The incident occurred amidst ongoing investigations into the death of Rosslyn McQueen, who died from strychnine poisoning in April 1986 at their rural Victorian home.
Rosslyn McQueen passed away on April 1, 1986, while pregnant with the couple’s second child, in the presence of their two-year-old daughter, Jodie. Approximately nine weeks later, on June 3, 1986, Ray McQueen invited Donna Manallack, a 17-year-old teenager who had been babysitting for the family and was a family friend, to move in with him and his daughter.
Ms. Manallack, who had been spending time at the McQueens’ home regularly and was reportedly unhappy in her own household, was driven by Mr. McQueen to Lake Weeroona in Bendigo, an ornamental lake known for its scenic setting. It was there, according to statements made to police and recounted in an investigative podcast series, that Mr. McQueen expressed his intentions to enter into a “husband-and-wife” arrangement with Ms. Manallack.
Ms. Manallack told police that Mr. McQueen framed the proposal not merely as a request for companionship or childcare support, but as sharing a relationship akin to marriage. The teenager indicated she was uncertain about her future at the time and told Mr. McQueen she would not move in until she turned 18 the following May.
Her parents, Glenys and Alf Manallack, strongly opposed the proposal. Alf Manallack described to police feeling “shocked” and “betrayed” by McQueen’s approach, particularly given the brief time elapsed since Rosslyn McQueen’s death. Glenys Manallack recounted becoming tearful and unable to respond when Mr. McQueen informed them of his intentions, describing the situation as deeply distressing for the family.
Years later, Glenys and Alf Manallack reflected on the events, revealing that it was only after Rosslyn’s death that they became aware of Mr. McQueen’s inappropriate interest in their daughter. Glenys acknowledged that Rosslyn had previously expressed concerns about Mr. McQueen and Ms. Manallack’s relationship, concerns she initially dismissed as harmless friendship. Glenys also criticized Mr. McQueen for exploiting his position as a trusted family friend, describing their daughter as “too innocent” and vulnerable to his advances.
On July 4, 1986, shortly after Rosslyn McQueen’s cause of death was identified as strychnine poisoning, Ray McQueen was charged with her murder. He has consistently denied any involvement and has not been convicted of any offense related to his wife’s death. The case remains unresolved, with legal proceedings and investigations continuing to draw public and media attention.