Burpengary East gardening dispute: Nicholas Reeves’ family break their silence after he was allegedly killed and his wife wounded by Frederick Steel Sayers
The heartbroken daughters of an elderly couple who were allegedly attacked by their gardener have broken their silence, saying they are ‘shocked’ and ‘devastated’.
Nicholas Reeves, 74, and his almost 50-year-old wife Suzanne, 71, were found with serious injuries after the alleged incident at their home in Burpengary East, north of Brisbane, on Thursday morning.
Police had arrived at the property following a request for a welfare check.
Mr Reeves could not be revived and died at the scene as his wife was rushed to hospital.
Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, has since been charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder.
The Reeves’ three daughters expressed their shock over the alleged incident and paid a heartbreaking tribute to their father in a statement released on Sunday.
Nicholas Reeves (pictured left) was killed and his wife Suzanne (pictured right) was reportedly seriously injured by their gardener
Nicholas Reeves was described by his daughters as the glue that held the family together
“Our family has lost a loving husband, father, father-in-law, father, uncle, brother-in-law, friend and local businessman. “Along with our mother, he was the glue that kept our family together and a big part of our daily lives,” they said.
“While our family and friends cope with this shocking news, we turn our support to our mother and pray that she can make it through this horrific incident.”
The family thanked the first responders and police who attended the confrontation, along with staff at the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital where their mother remains.
There are no details yet about Mr Reeves’ funeral.
“To Dad’s family and friends, we know you are in shock and as part of the grieving process, a funeral is an important part of healing. At this stage, that is a decision we cannot and do not want to make without our mother,” they wrote.
“His beautiful and loving wife of almost 50 years is the one who must decide when and how his celebration of life will take place, and we pray that she will be with us when that time comes.”
The family called on everyone to raise a beer for their ‘old man’ Nick and remember the man he was and the impact he had on people’s lives.
Police described the crime scene north of Brisbane as ‘incredibly traumatic’ (photo police forensics staff at the couple’s home)
Pictured: Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, remains behind bars after being charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder
The grieving family described their father as having an “unusual sense of humor” and have used that to bounce back since the incident as they “tackle every emotion.”
“It would make our father happy to know that his humor has been passed on to his girls,” they said.
“To Dad, if you can see this, wherever you are now, know that the man you have been all your life, and the love, dedication and commitment you have shown to Mom and us girls, is the strength that will help us through this tragedy.
“The Reeves girls are fighters, we are strong women, and the universe has given us amazing partners, children, family and friends to wrap their arms around us and hold us together.”
The couple’s daughters ended the statement asking everyone to let the police do their job and respect the family’s privacy.
Daily Mail Australia previously revealed Sayers is a father of one who previously 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.’
Suzanne Reeves (pictured) was injured in the alleged attack and remains in the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital
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.
Sayers’ case will go to trial on July 26.
The failed plumber had been hired by a neighbor to carry out landscaping work on both properties and was not injured when police arrived.
The police seized a number of tools from the home during an extensive investigation on Thursday.
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,” he said.
“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 been living on the streets for about 30 years.
“They are nice people from the community,” Mr. Roscarel said.
“We always waved at them.”
Frederick Steel Sayers (pictured) was hired last Thursday to carry out landscaping work on two properties