Heartbreak as Aussie rock legend Brian Mannix’s cousin murdered by teens

Australian rock star and lead singer of 1980s band Uncanny X-Men Brian Mannix is reeling after the murder of his cousin.

On Sunday, Mannix’s 45-year-old cousin John Bourke was found killed in his Maryborough home, north-west of Melbourne. According to reports by Fairfax, he was disabled and suffered from brittle bones disease. His genetic disorder required him to use crutches and a mobility scooter to get around, while it is believed he’d suffered more than 200 broken bones throughout his life.

Police charged two young teens with Bourke’s murder on Monday.

“Homicide Squad detectives have charged two teenage boys following the death of a man in Maryborough yesterday,” Victoria Police said. “Police were called to an address on Derby Road after a 45-year-old man was located deceased just after 12:30pm.

“A 15-year-old and 17-year-old, both from Maryborough, have each been charged with one count of murder. They have been remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.”

Mannix and his family members have taken to social media to pay their respects and express their shock at the death. According to Fairfax, the 56-year-old described his cousin as a great guy who “dealt with more hardships than anyone I know”. He said he couldn’t believe what happened and said he would be praying for justice.

Meanwhile, other friends and family members flooded Bourke’s Facebook page with their own messages.

One family member wrote: “Forever cherished and never forgotten. I can only hope for justice for you and that you are resting with Grandma enjoying one of her infamous sponge cakes Mum talks about … The last conversation we had was filled with laughter and pure joy. You are part of my life that has been taken from me and although I will never come to terms with that, I know you made a positive lasting impression on everyone around you”.

Another message read: “You were, and are, loved by so many. I can’t believe that you are gone. You were always considered part of our family. You will be sadly missed. You will remain in our hearts forever”.

A third message added: “We were mates for 25 years through thick and thin and you always stuck by me, I can’t believe you’re gone, you don’t get many true friends in life, that’s why it’s so hard to say goodbye”.

According to the Maryborough District Advertiser, a neighbour discovered Bourke’s body after noticing the front door had been forced open. When they entered the house they discovered he was dead and immediately called triple-zero. They had lived next door to him for 18 years.

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