The heartbroken daughters of an elderly couple who were allegedly attacked by their gardener have broken their silence to say they are “shocked” and “devastated”.
Nicholas Reeves, 74, and his wife of almost 50 years, Suzanne, 71, were found with critical injuries after the alleged incident at their home in Burpengary East, north of Brisbane, on Thursday morning.
Police arrived at the property after requesting a welfare check.
Mr Reeves could not be revived and died at the scene when his wife was rushed to hospital.
Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, has since been charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder.
The Reeves’ three daughters expressed shock at the alleged incident and paid a heartbreaking tribute to their father in a statement released Sunday.
Nicholas Reeves (pictured left) was murdered and his wife Suzanne (pictured right) was seriously injured allegedly by their gardener.
Nicholas Reeves was described by his daughters as the glue that held the family together.
‘Our family has lost a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, dad, uncle, brother-in-law, friend and local businessman. “Along with our mother, he was the glue that held our family together and a big part of our daily lives,” they said.
“As our family and friends come to terms with this shocking news, we are focusing our support on our mother and praying that she can overcome this horrific incident.”
The family thanked first responders and police who attended the scene of the confrontation, along with staff at the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, where their mother remains.
There are no details yet on Mr. Reeves’ funeral.
‘To dad’s family and friends, we know you are in shock and as part of the grieving process, a funeral is an important part of healing. “Right now, that is a decision we cannot and are not willing to make without our mom,” they wrote.
“His beautiful and loving wife of nearly 50 years is the one who must decide when and how his celebration of life will take place, and we are praying that she will be with us when that time comes.”
The family urged everyone to toast their “old” Nick a beer and remember the man he was and the impact he had on people’s lives.
Police described the crime scene north of Brisbane as “incredibly traumatic” (pictured, police forensic workers at the couple’s property)
Pictured: Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, remains behind bars after being charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder.
The grieving family described their father as having an “uncommon sense of humour” and have used it to recover since the incident as they “seize every emotion”.
“Our dad would be happy to know that his humor has been passed on to his daughters,” they said.
‘To dad, if you can see this, wherever you are now, know that the man you were all your life and the love, dedication and devotion that you have shown to mom and to us, is the force that will save us. through this tragedy.
“The Reeves girls are fighters, we are strong women and the universe has provided us with incredible partners, children, family and friends who hold us tight and hold us together.”
The couple’s daughters ended the statement by asking everyone to let the police do their job and respect the family’s privacy.
WhatsNew2Day Australia previously revealed that Sayers is the father of someone who previously worked as an apprentice plumber and tree trimmer.
According to one of his many Facebook profiles, he liked to “climb trees and collect leaves.”
The profile also said: “Hot sluts and good drugs is what keeps you young at heart.”
Suzanne Reeves (pictured) was injured in the alleged attack and remains at the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital.
Sayers was unable to apply for bail in Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on Friday due to the nature of the charges.
His lawyer Brendan Wheelan asked for a three-month adjournment because the brief of evidence was too long.
The Sayers matter will return to court on July 26.
The failed plumber had been hired by a neighbor to carry out landscaping work at both properties and was unharmed when police arrived.
Police seized several tools from the property during extensive investigations Thursday.
Detective Inspector David Harbison said the crime scene was “incredibly traumatic” and police were investigating the situation.
“Unfortunately the victims were seriously injured, one of them fatal,” he said.
“Police are still investigating whether any instruments or weapons were used in this incident…we don’t have all the facts yet.”
Neighbors John and Julie Roscarel said the Reeves had lived on the street for about 30 years.
“They are lovely people in the community,” Mr. Roscarel said.
“We always waved to them.”
Frederick Steel Sayers (pictured) was hired to carry out landscaping work on two properties last Thursday.