War veteran ex-husband accused of killing Gold Coast couple

A man accused of murdering a woman and her partner, leaving a 5-year-old boy alone with their bodies, is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan.

Renee Carter and her partner Cory Croft were killed on Tuesday night in an alleged "stabbing frenzy".

For more than 24 hours, the bodies of the couple lay in the new family home at Upper Coomera on the Gold Coast, while their 5-year-old son waited for help.

The bodies were not discovered until over 24 hours later by an aunt who visited the home. The young boy had remained inside the entire time.

Within hours, police had their suspect.

The victim's former husband Christopher Carter was questioned and charged with two counts of murder.

Nine News has learned Carter is a member of the Australian Defence Force.

He worked as an instructor at the army barracks in the Gold Coast hinterland, following a stint at barracks in Townsville and is understood to have served at least one tour of Afghanistan.

Members of the close-knit community have spoken of how surprising the alleged murder was.

"I keep trying to imagine what the little boy went through," one neighbour said.

Another said: "Seems to be a peaceful neighbourhood so I think everyone's in shock".