Burpengary death: Gardener, 26, arrested after cops find elderly man dead and woman critically injured inside a home
- Police were conducting a welfare check
- Man died at the scene, woman suffering critical head injuries in hospital
- READ MORE: Heartbroken family reacts to woman's brutal death
A 26-year-old man believed to be a domestic gardener has been arrested after police found an elderly man dead and a woman critically injured following a welfare check at a home.
A homicide investigation has been launched after the discovery of the couple in a home at about 9.20am on Thursday in the Moreton Bay suburb of Burpengary East, Queensland.
The man and woman, both in their 70s, were discovered suffering serious head injuries at the Bramston Court address.
They have been identified as married couple Nicholas and Suzanne Reeves, who own the property.
Nicholas Reeves, in his 70s, (pictured) was killed after an alleged altercation with a new gardener
Suzanne Reeves, also in her 70s, (pictured) was taken to hospital suffering critical head injuries
The police were conducting a welfare check at the Bramston Court, Moreton Bay address when they discovered the married couple with critical head injuries (pictured police at the couples' address)
Mr Reeves died at the scene, whilst Ms Reeves was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a critical condition.
Police have taken a 26-year-old Boondall man into custody.
Detective Inspector David Harbison told the media the 26-year-old had been 'on or near the premises' doing some gardening work.
'The police allege a dispute of some type has broken out .... an altercation and unfortunately the 70-year-old victims have been severely injured,' he said.
Mr Harbison said police are still investigating if implements or weapons were used in the incident.
'It's very early days, we don't have all the facts yet,' he said.
'I want to stress that this is not a domestic family violence related incident.
'We don't believe the 26-year-old male person was previously known to the victims.'
Police have described the crime scene 'substantial' and will be guarding it for 'some time' (pictured the couples property)
It is alleged a man was gardening before a dispute and alteration broke out. Police believe he had never met the couple and it was his first time gardening for them
Police do not know what led up to the incident, which was witnessed by a person who called for help
Police believe the gardener was dropped off by friends and was doing work across two addresses.
'The person at the other address witnessed the incident,' he said.
Mr Harbison said the witness, who contacted authorities, is 'devastated' after seeing the 'traumatic' event.
The detective inspector said the crime scene was 'substantial' and it will be guarded for some time.
'The man [26-year-old] was not injured and was taken into police custody without incident,' he said.
Police do not believe there is any threat to the public and they are not looking for anybody else.
Police do not know what led to the incident and are urging any witnesses or those with dashcam footage to come forward.
READ MORE: Tattooed man arrested over the death of woman, 49, previously admitted hiding dead toddler's body in a roof
John Torney is seen outside a supreme court sitting of Mildura Magistrates Court, in Mildura, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016
