A gardener has been charged with murder and attempted murder after an elderly man was found dead and his wife seriously injured following an alleged argument in Queensland.
The 26-year-old Beachmere man, unknown to the couple, was charged Thursday night.
He was denied bail by police and is due to appear in the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on Friday.
Officers were called to conduct a welfare check at a home on Bramston Court in Burpengary East, near Moreton Bay, about 9.20am on Thursday.
When they arrived, they found Nicholas Reeves and his wife Suzanne, both in their 70s, with “significant head trauma.”
Suzanne Reeves (pictured) is in a critical condition at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Nicholas Reeves, aged in his 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Reeves appears in the photo.
A gardener has been charged with murder and attempted murder after an elderly man was found dead and his wife seriously injured following an alleged argument in Queensland. Forensic agents are photographed at the scene.
“Unfortunately the victims were seriously injured, one fatally,” Detective Inspector David Harbison said.
“Police are still investigating whether any instruments or weapons were used in this incident…we don’t have all the facts yet.”
A homicide investigation is underway and a crime scene has been set up at the home.
Inspector Harbison said it was understood the 26-year-old man had been gardening at the house next door.
He was at the scene when police arrived and was taken into custody without incident.
Mr Reeves was pronounced dead at the scene.
His wife, 71, was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition.
Inspector Harbison said the crime scene was “terribly traumatic”.
Police reportedly confiscated several tools from the property.
Forensic agents photographed evidence on the floor inside.
A 26-year-old Beachmere man, unknown to the couple, was charged Thursday night. The scene is represented
It is understood the 26-year-old man had been gardening next door.
Neighbors John and Julie Roscarel told the Courier-Mail they knew the couple very well.
The Reeves family, which included three daughters, had lived on the streets for 30 years. One of the couple’s daughters lives across the street.
“They are lovely people in the community,” Mr. Roscarel said. “We always waved to them.”
Another neighbor said the couple always gardened on Thursdays.
The neighbor said that they also used to have massive street parties and that they were lovely people.