CEO and Businessman Allegedly Stabbed to Death by 15-Year-Old During Party at His House

A festive evening in one of Brisbane's wealthiest neighborhoods turned fatal when an alleged act of violence cut through the celebration.

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder after reportedly stabbing 58-year-old businessman Greg Josephson during a party at the victim's Clayfield residence on the night of June 26, 2025. Authorities say the teen, who was known to Josephson, was found nearby and taken into custody shortly after emergency services arrived at the scene.

The upscale Brisbane suburb of Clayfield, Australia, turned into the site of a grim crime scene late Thursday when emergency services responded to reports of a critically injured man at a home on Oriel Road.

Officers arrived around 8:15 p.m. and discovered the body of Josephson, co-founder of the Universal Store clothing chain, inside his residence. Approximately 30 teenagers were present at the property for a party at the time of the alleged attack.

While speaking to reporters on Friday, Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Williams said, "I can confirm that there was a party under way at the house with a number of young persons."

He added that many of those in attendance did not initially realize a crime had occurred. "It was a confusing situation," Williams explained.

The accused, a 15-year-old boy from Clayfield, was found on a nearby street shortly after the incident and taken into custody. He was later transported to a hospital.

Following further investigation, police charged him with one count of murder. "At this stage the initial investigation indicates that no other persons were involved other than the 15-year-old boy," Williams claimed.

Authorities also located the alleged weapon believed to have been used in the stabbing. Furthermore, several teenagers who had been at the house were brought to police stations, where authorities contacted their parents. Those teens are now reportedly assisting investigators with their inquiries.

Williams acknowledged the emotional toll the incident had taken, "It's distressing for the family. It's distressing for the community and for … innocent people who are at the house who have nothing to do with it, so all possible support's being offered to those people."

The boy, who was denied police bail, appeared briefly in Brisbane Childrens Court on Friday. His case was adjourned until September 2. Investigators continue to appeal for any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from the area.

Josephson's death brings a tragic end to a life marked by business achievement and family dedication. In 1999, he co-founded Universal Store with his brother, growing the fashion retailer into a national brand.

He sold the company in 2018 for a reported $100 million and later became Chief Executive Officer of Josephson Holdings, overseeing various ventures.

In a public statement, Universal Store confirmed Josephson's passing and expressed condolences to his family, acknowledging his foundational role in the company and his significant contributions until his departure.

The scene of the tragedy was reportedly the Josephsons' home — an opulent, art deco-inspired estate that had undergone years of transformation. Purchased in 2017, the Oriel Road property stood on a 1,259-square-meter block and was perched on a peak, offering vistas to the Gateway Bridge and nearby mountains.

Over time, the home was extensively renovated with help from architect Ivan Gastaldon and design firm Highgate House. The goal was to give it a "five-star hotel feel," according to Josephson.

The renovation added features such as a rumpus room, guest quarters, and a home office. Inside, the home showcased parquetry French oak floors, hand-painted wallpaper, Ralph Lauren lighting, and imported marble, set against preserved period elements like leadlight windows and coffered ceilings.

Each of the Josephsons' three teenage children had their own large bedroom. The layout offered numerous breakout areas, including a parents' retreat with a fireplace and a magnesium pool surrounded by manicured gardens.

The property's transformation extended beyond its primary structure. The Josephsons acquired the neighboring 715-square-meter lot on Stafford Street, which came with development approval for a tennis court and an eight-car basement.

Their plan involved building a driveway off Oriel Road, a garage below, and a lift ascending to a garden atrium that would connect directly to the home. Although that final phase was never completed, Josephson said it represented part of a long-term family vision.

In early June, the businessman shared that the family was relocating to Noosa for personal and work-related reasons. He noted their pride in having fully transformed the Clayfield property into what they considered a once-in-a-lifetime "forever home," now available for new owners to appreciate.

Professionally, Josephson held degrees from Griffith University and had previous roles as a leasing executive at Jones Lang LaSalle, Lend Lease, and Westfield. His decades-long career in real estate and retail culminated in founding one of Australia's most recognized clothing chains.

Now, as investigators seek answers, the house that once symbolized achievement and comfort stands as a painful reminder of a life cut short.