Burpengary East: Failed plumber Fred Steel Sayers is accused of murdering elderly man and severely injuring his wife following a gardening dispute
- Nicholas Reeves, 74, found dead and his wife seriously injured
- Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, was arrested and charged
- READ MORE: Gardener charged with murder
A man accused of killing an elderly man and seriously injuring his wife after a gardening dispute is a failed plumber.
Nicholas Reeves, 74, was found dead and his wife Suzanne Reeves, 71, was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after an incident at their home in Burpengary East, north of Brisbane, about 9.20am on Thursday.
Police arrived at the property following a request for a welfare check.
Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder.
He had been hired by a neighbor to do yard work on both properties and was unharmed when police arrived.
A man who rushed to help the elderly couple told the Courier-Mail he saw a pickaxe on the ground and investigators told him not to go near it.
Pictured: Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, accused of killing an elderly man and trying to kill his wife
Sayers (pictured) was hired Thursday to perform landscaping work on two properties
Daily Mail Australia can reveal Sayers is a father of one child and has worked as an apprentice plumber and tree lopper.
According to one of his many Facebook profiles, he enjoyed “climbing trees and picking leaves.”
The profile also said: ‘Hot sl*ts and good drugs keep you young at heart.’
Mr Reeves was pronounced dead at the scene and paramedics helped Ms Reeves onto a stretcher.
Sayers was unable to apply for bail at the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on Friday due to the nature of the charge.
His lawyer Brendan Wheelan asked for a three-month extension because the burden of proof was so great.
His case will go to trial on July 26.
Nicholas Reeves, 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 Friday’s alleged murder
Detective Inspector David Harbison said the crime scene was ‘incredibly traumatic’ and police were investigating the situation.
“Unfortunately, the victims suffered serious injuries, one fatally,” said Detective David Harbison.
“Police are still investigating whether any tool or weapon was used in this incident… we do not yet have the full facts.”
Neighbors John and Julie Roscarel said the Reeves had three daughters and had lived on the street for about 30 years.
“They are nice people from the community,” Mr. Roscarel said.
“We always waved at them.”
Another neighbor said the couple always had the garden done on Thursdays.
The police seized a number of tools from the home during an extensive investigation on Thursday.
Pictured: Police officers during an investigation at the crime scene on Friday