Australian CEO Greg Josephson Fatally Stabbed at Mansion Party, 15-Year-Old Boy Arrested

During a house party in Clayfield, Brisbane, CEO Greg Josephson was fatally stabbed Thursday night, leading to the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on murder charges.

Josephson, co-founder of the youth clothing brand Universal Store, was hosting around 30 teenagers when an altercation broke out shortly after 8:15 p.m. The Queensland police reported that the two individuals were acquainted prior to the incident.

In a sudden escalation, the teenager allegedly used a household item to inflict the fatal wound. Emergency services arrived at the scene to find the 58-year-old critically injured; he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Authorities apprehended the suspect just two blocks away from Josephson's residence. Following questioning, he was charged with murder and is currently being held without bail.

The teen is set to appear in Brisbane Children’s Court on Friday morning. His identity remains undisclosed.

Josephson had purchased his six-bedroom mansion for $1.25 million in 2016, later renovating it to an estimated value of $3.2 million. He had recently listed the property for sale, planning a move to Noosa, where he had family and business interests.

“We’re sad to sell but we’re relocating to Noosa... we went all out to create a once-in-a-lifetime forever home,” Josephson stated regarding the sale.

Universal Store caters to fashion-forward individuals aged 15 to 34. After selling the company in 2018, Josephson took on a quieter role as chief executive of Josephson Holdings Pty Ltd., maintaining a low public profile.

In a statement released by Universal Store, the company expressed its sorrow over Josephson's passing, highlighting his significant contributions until 2018.

Neighbors expressed shock at the violent incident, noting that the party had been surprisingly subdued before the stabbing occurred. “It was extremely quiet; I wouldn’t have even known there was a party going on last night,” remarked one neighbor.

Queensland Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman commented on the tragedy, stating, “There was some sort of altercation that resulted in this 58-year-old male tragically losing his life.” He emphasized that this incident was not indicative of a broader trend of knife violence among youth.

A new law enacted in September 2024 prohibits minors from purchasing knives in Queensland, reflecting ongoing concerns about youth violence.