The co-founder of clothing retailer Universal Store was fatally stabbed during a house party in an upscale Brisbane suburb.
Greg Josephson, 58, who started the youth fashion brand with his brother Michael in 1999, was found dead at his Clayfield home in the city’s north shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday.
A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody nearby and later charged with murder.
Police were called to the property, where a large party was underway. When they arrived, Mr Josephson was found deceased upstairs.
Mr Josephson had sold his stake in Universal Store in 2018, when the brand was estimated to be worth $100 million.
Starting with a single store in Carindale, the brothers expanded the company into one of Brisbane’s top fashion brands, now operating over 80 outlets nationwide. Dozens of teenagers were present at the event, including the boy charged.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said the fatal incident followed a confrontation between Mr Josephson and the teen, involving a household object.
“There was an altercation which tragically resulted in the 58-year-old man’s death,” he said. “It wasn’t a case of someone carrying a knife—it occurred inside a home.”
Following inquiries, police formally charged the Clayfield teenager with one count of murder. He was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Children’s Court on Friday morning.
Authorities said the teen contacted them about the incident.
“He indicated he had some involvement or knowledge of what occurred,” said Inspector Jane Healy. “He’s the only person who knew what happened.”
The teen and others at the scene are assisting with the investigation. Police described the scene as “chaotic and confronting,” with roughly 30 youths present.
“We are still piecing together the sequence of events,” Inspector Healy said. “We have many witnesses to speak with before the full picture becomes clear.”
Mr Wildman noted the gathering had been planned and that no one else was believed to be involved.
“Police are not seeking any additional suspects—the 15-year-old is the only alleged offender,” he said.
Other teenagers were taken to Boondall Police Station Thursday night, where their parents were contacted.
“This has been a traumatic event, so we are also considering the wellbeing of those young people,” Wildman added.
Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Williams confirmed the weapon had been recovered.
“There was a party at the home with several young guests,” he said. “What exactly led up to the incident remains under investigation.”
The accused teen suffered a minor injury, and the home remains a crime scene. The Child Protection Investigation Unit is leading the case.
Police are appealing to anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage from the area to come forward.
Mr Josephson, who held a commerce degree from Griffith University, spent over a decade in the leasing sector, working at companies like Jones Lang LaSalle, Lendlease, and Westfield. In 2021, he bought the Noosa Reef Hotel for $13.9 million.
Friends described him as a kind and generous man.
“We’re in complete shock,” one friend said. “He was genuinely kind—you never expect something like this to happen so close to home.”
Universal Store offered condolences in a statement on Friday.
“We’re saddened to share that Greg Josephson, who founded our company and was actively involved until 2018, has recently passed away,” the statement read. “Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
