George David Silva was born in 1884 in Homebush, near Mackay, Queensland, the son of Sri Lankan immigrants of Sinhalese background. Growing up in a poor household, Silva had limited means and opportunities, though he became known in the local community as a deeply religious young man. He frequently attended church, led prayers, and was regarded as something of a favorite among the congregation. His strong religious devotion earned him a reputation as a preacher despite his lack of formal clerical training.

As an adult, Silva worked as a farmhand in the Mackay district. He eventually found steady employment on the farm of Charles "Charlie" Ching, a man originally from Hong Kong, who lived with his English-born wife Agnes and their six children at Alligator Creek, about 20 miles from Mackay. The Ching family lived modestly in a corrugated iron house with a dirt floor, but compared to Silva, who had no property, money, or possessions, they represented wealth and stability.

During his employment, Silva became infatuated with Maud Ching, the eldest daughter of the household, who was still a teenager. He openly expressed his desire to marry her, telling neighbors of his plan to acquire land and build a home by Christmas in order to start a family with her. However, his proposal was met with rejection from both the Ching family and Maud herself. Neighbors and acquaintances dismissed Silva’s ambitions, telling him bluntly that he lacked money, possessions, and even proper clothing, and thus had no chance of winning her hand.

On November 16, 1911, Charles Ching left home to travel into town, leaving his wife Agnes, their six children, and Silva at the property. During this time, Silva carried out one of the most shocking massacres in Queensland’s history.

Silva first attacked the family inside their home. Agnes Ching and her daughter Maud were both shotone with a revolver, the other with a muzzle-loading rifle. Hugh, aged 4, and Winnie, just 20 months old, were killed by having their heads smashed against the wall. Their bodies, along with Agnes and Maud, were later found piled together beneath a rug inside the house.

Silva did not stop there. He pursued the two older children, Teddy (10) and Dolly (8), who had been away from the house. He tracked them down about a mile and a half from the homestead, where he shot them and crushed their skulls, killing them both.

When Charles Ching returned, he discovered the gruesome aftermath. Police were quickly called, and Aboriginal trackers examined the crime scene. Though Silva initially attempted to deflect suspicion by claiming that two neighbors had helped him commit the crime, investigators quickly dismissed his story. Tracks and evidence all pointed toward him, and he eventually confessed to murdering the Ching family.

Silva was charged with six counts of murder but was tried only for the death of Maud Ching. During the trial, Silva denied personally killing her, but admitted to being present. The evidence, however, was overwhelming. The jury deliberated for only 20 minutes before finding him guilty. By law, the conviction carried a mandatory death sentence.

Silva was transferred to Boggo Road Gaol in Dutton Park, Brisbane, to await his execution. On June 10, 1912, he was brought to the gallows. Throughout his final moments, he attempted to delay the inevitable by loudly reciting biblical passages. Prison authorities eventually silenced him, but he continued to speak until the noose was tightened around his neck. Before he could finish his last words, he was hanged. Silva was buried at South Brisbane Cemetery. A plaque at the cemetery still bears his name among those executed at Boggo Road Gaol.

His six victims were:

• Agnes Ching, wife of Charles Ching
• Maud Ching, 17, daughter
• Teddy Ching, 10, son
• Dolly Ching, 8, daughter
• Hugh Ching, 4, son
• Winnie Ching, 20 months, daughter