The co-founder of Australian retail chain Universal, Greg Josephson, has been murdered at a house party in Brisbane.
News.com.au reports that the incident occurred at a house party in Clayfield, north of the city, shortly after 8pm last night (26 June). Police were called to the scene where a large group of teens were present, including a 15-year-old boy who has since been charged with one count of murder.
Josephson was found dead with stab wounds, upstairs at the house.
Police allege a household implement was used in an altercation between the 15-year-old male and Josephson.
The teenager was refused bail.
“There was some sort of altercation that’s resulted in this 58-year old male tragically losing his life,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said. “It’s not a case of carrying knives, it’s unfortunately allotted in a home.”
Police say the 15-year-old contacted them to report the incident, and was the only one who was aware of what had happened.
Universal Store Fortitude Valley - Image from realcommercial.com.au
In 2000, the Josephsons purchased Cameron House situated on the corner of Ann and Brunswick Streets, in Fortitude Valley.
At the time, scenestr publisher, Howard Duggan, operated Cafe Scene from the prime corner tenancy as a 24-hour cafe which doubled as an Internet cafe, ticket outlet, performance stage and, on-occasion, a post-rave day club.
The Josephsons exercised their rights and took over the lease and operated Brisbane’s first Universal Store.
Greg Josephson sold his interest in Universal Store in 2018 – the brand was worth around $100 million at the time. The brand has grown to more than 80 stores across Australia.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.
