Curtis Molina Charged in Monkey River Triple Murder

Forty-five-year-old Curtis Molina has been officially charged with three counts of murder for the December 14, 2024, killings of his cousin, 39-year-old Elvis Garbutt Sr.; Garbutt’s wife, 30-year-old Emerita Garbutt; and their three-year-old son, Ellis Garbutt, in Monkey River Village.

The family was ambushed while driving home; their vehicle was obstructed by trees placed on the road. When Elvis exited to clear the path, Molina reportedly emerged from the bushes and fatally shot him, then proceeded to kill Emerita and Ellis. Two other children, 11-year-old Eliana and 8-year-old Elvis Jr., were in the vehicle; Eliana sustained injuries but managed to escape and alert neighbours, while Elvis Jr. was unharmed.

Police apprehended Molina near the village as he attempted to flee by boat. Investigations suggest the motive was robbery; Molina allegedly knew that Elvis had cash intended for purchasing a boat. The shotgun used in the murders was recovered and reported stolen from a nearby residence.

The tragic incident has left the small community of Monkey River Village in shock, with two young children now orphaned. Authorities are preparing to present the case in court following consultations with the Director of Public Prosecutions.