There was an inquest held concerning the death of Dr. Vines, whereupon a verdict was returned of wilful murder committed by natives Melon, Dandy, Dick, Jim, Trooper, Jimmy, and other natives unknown. The doctor was killed by a spear driven through the left side of the chest, downwards through the heart. Hodgson had five spear wounds, one going right through the left shoulder. He was progressing favourably. A police party, fully equipped for six weeks, left Warramagine to search for the natives.
Braeside was a sheep station owned by a Mr Warburton and managed by Herbert Hodgson, who lived there with his wife and one child and a second child was expected. On the day previous to the Aboriginal attack, Hodgson and his right hand man had a 'dust up' with one of the native shepherds. The next morning, the natives came up in force. The homestead was situated between two hills, an ideal spot for attack by natives.
Dr Vines, at this time, was at Braeside to attend to Isabella Hodgson in her confinement. Being a stranger to the ways of natives, he opened the door to see what all the trouble was about and was immediately speared through the chest.
Hodgson and his son were sleeping on the roof sleep-out of one of the buildings and they only saved their lives by protecting themselves with the bed mattresses.
Mr. Hodgson stated that after he called for help, he covered himself with a mattress and he felt a number of spears strike against it harmlessly.