Burpengary death: Gardener charged with murder over man’s death and wife’s alleged assault

A gardener has been charged with the murder and assault of an elderly man and his wife after an alleged dispute at their Brisbane home.

Nicholas Reeves, 74, was found dead and his wife Suzanne Reeves, 71, was found with critical head injuries after police were called to their Burpengary East home to conduct a welfare check about 9.20am on Thursday.

Mrs Reeves is fighting for life in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

A 26-year-old Beachmere man was taken into custody after he waited at the property for police.

He was charged and refused bail on Thursday night and is due to face court on murder and attempted murder charges on Friday.

It is believed the couple, who owned a roller door company, had hired the 26-year-old to do some gardening work.

Forensic officers are combing the property as part of their investigation into the alleged murder and assault.

Detective Inspector David Harbison said it was not a domestic violence-related incident and the 26-year-old man was not previously known to the victims.

“We believe he just attended today to do some form of gardening duties,” Det Insp Harbison told reporters on Thursday.

Police are not looking for any other persons of interest.

Det Insp Harbison described it as a tragic and devastating incident.

“It is so terribly traumatic for anyone to see this, including first responders,” he said.

“We hope to get to the bottom of it and learn more and try and understand how this incident occurred.”

A man who went to the aid of the Reeves’ saw a pickaxe on the ground and was told by police not to touch it, according to the Courier Mail.

Neighbours, who said they knew the couple well, said the Reeves’ had lived on the street for 30 years.

The couple have three daughters, one of whom is believed to live across the street.

“They are lovely community people,” John Roscarel said.

“We’d always give them a wave.”

— with AAP