Adelaide siege: Physiotherapist Vasilis Vergulis charged with murdering his wife in Campbelltown
A physiotherapist has been charged after allegedly killing his wife and shooting his daughter after a tense four-hour standoff with police on a suburban street.
Vasilis Vergulis, 51, is said to have ambushed and shot his wife Aleksandra and daughter Daniela on Saturday afternoon as they returned to their family home in Campbelltown, north-east Adelaide.
Police rushed to Elm Road where they reportedly found Mrs Vergulis dead at the front of the house. Her 22-year-old daughter was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital with allegedly serious injuries.
Vergulis then reportedly barricaded himself in the house as dozens of specialist agents swarmed the street.
Aleksandra Vergulis (photo) is said to have been killed by her husband on Saturday
Specialized officers were pictured on the scene on Saturday during the four-hour siege
He surrendered to police around 5 p.m. and was taken to the City Watch House where he was charged with murder and attempted murder.
Vergulis has not applied for bail and will appear at Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday.
Vergulis, who goes by the nickname Bill, is an exercise physiotherapist who has worked in hospitals across Adelaide.
His wife was an executive assistant for UniSA Education Futures, at the University of South Australia, where she has worked for nearly 12 years.
The couple’s daughter, who goes by the nickname Dana, graduated just three months ago from the same university where her mother worked.
“I am so proud to announce that I have graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Laws (Second class Honours) and Bachelor of Psychology,” Daniela wrote on LinkedIn.
Pictured: Daniela Vergulis, who was rushed to hospital with serious injuries
“I’m looking forward to continuing my career in law, and can’t wait to see where it takes me!
“I am so thankful for my loved ones who have supported me on this journey.”
Her mother, who affectionately called her daughter Dana, added a touching comment sharing her pride.
Well done Dan! I am so proud of you darling,” Ms. Vergulis wrote.
“You are brilliant, skilled and ambitious, an achiever. It has been a great pleasure to watch you grow and transform into the beautiful young lady, well-trained professional that you are today.
“I bless you with everything you need to earn many more achievements and celebrations in the life ahead and I will always be there to support you.”
Ms Vergulis worked at the University of South Australia
The couple’s daughter had only recently graduated from college with a degree in law and psychology
Daily Mail Australia understands that the couple, who have lived on the streets for about five years, also share an adult son, but both children no longer live at home.
Neighbors described Ms Vergulis as a “lovely woman” and said they were shocked by the tragedy.
They said the family was originally from Poland, but had been in Australia for a long time.
A local resident said that Vergulis would always say hello when he walked his dogs past the house in the morning.
“He always said good morning and have a nice day,” he said.
“I never thought something like this would happen.”
As residents came to terms with the shocking incident, fresh bloodstains and bloodied shopping bags containing groceries could be seen in the family’s driveway on Sunday morning.
Police, who searched the crime scene late into the night of Saturday, remained at the home on Sunday.
As the alleged shooting unfolded, police cordoned off the house and surrounding streets as Special Task and Rescue (STAR) Group officers, paramedics, firefighters and a police helicopter rushed to the scene.
Motorists were advised to avoid the area and residents of the closed area were told to stay indoors.
About 30 officers swarmed the street as tense negotiations began at the Campbelltown home