Owner of holiday units in Torquay allegedly killed while breaking up fight between wife and guest
The owner of a holiday apartment complex is said to have been murdered after stepping in to help his wife who had been arguing with a guest.
Alfred Westmoreland, 75, the owner and manager of TreeTops holiday accommodation in Torquay, Queensland, was attacked at 7.50pm on Friday.
It came after he intervened to help his wife during an alleged altercation with a 33-year-old man.
Emergency services were called to the complex after receiving reports of an attack before finding Mr Westmoreland unconscious with serious injuries.
A man, 33, has been charged after allegedly killing TreeTops holiday unit owner (pictured), Alfred Westmoreland, 75, in Torquay Queensland on Friday
Despite desperate attempts to save Mr Westmoreland’s life, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The 33-year-old was arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault, taking property with threats and two counts of possession of steroids.
Detective Inspector Gary Pettiford told the media on Saturday that Ms Westmoreland was also injured during the alleged attack.
She was taken to hospital and released shortly afterwards Courier mail reported.
βIt’s horrific, her lifelong partner lost his life trying (allegedly) to help her,β Detective Pettiford said.
Det Sept Pettiford said no weapons were used in the alleged attack.
Employees from neighboring businesses were reportedly unaware of the incident until police stretched tape around the units and a crime scene was established.
The 33-year-old man has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, taking property with threats and two counts of possessing steroids. He will appear in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on Monday (stock image)
Police are continuing to investigate the alleged assault and are calling on anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
βWe would like to speak to anyone who drove at that location between approximately 7.30pm and 8.30pm (Friday),β Det Sept Pettiford said.
“Anyone who saw anything unusual around that time would like to help us with our investigation.”
The 33-year-old suspect has been held in police custody until his expected appearance at the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on Monday.