- Nicholas Reeves, 74, found dead and his wife seriously injured
- Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, was arrested and charged
- READ MORE: Jardinero is accused of murder
A man accused of murdering an elderly man and seriously injuring his wife after a landscaping dispute is a failed plumber.
Nicholas Reeves, 74, was found dead and his wife Suzanne Reeves, 71, was rushed to hospital with serious head injuries following an incident at their home in Burpengary East, north of Brisbane, around 9.20am Thursday.
Police arrived at the property following a welfare check request.
Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder.
He had been hired by a neighbor and was carrying out gardening work on both properties and was unharmed when police arrived.
A man who ran to help the elderly couple told the Courier-Mail he saw a spike on the ground and investigators told him not to approach it.
Pictured: Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, accused of murdering an elderly man and attempting to murder his wife.
Sayers (pictured) was hired to carry out landscaping work at two properties on Thursday.
WhatsNew2Day Australia can reveal Sayers is the father of a child and has 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.”
Mr Reeves was pronounced dead at the scene and paramedics helped Mrs Reeves onto a stretcher.
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.
His matter will return to court on July 26.
Nicholas Reeves, aged in his 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Suzanne Reeves (pictured right) is in a critical condition at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Pictured: Police and investigators at the scene of the alleged murder on Friday.
Detective Inspector David Harbison said the crime scene was “incredibly traumatic” and police were investigating the situation.
“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.”
Neighbors John and Julie Roscarel said the Reeves had three daughters and had lived on the street for about 30 years.
“They are lovely people in the community,” Mr. Roscarel said.
“We always waved to them.”
Another neighbor said the couple always gardened on Thursdays.
Police seized several tools from the property during extensive investigations Thursday.
Pictured: Police officers during a crime scene investigation on Friday.