Two men charged with murder over death of apple farmer, 86 who fought to defend his wife from ‘home intruders’ – after detectives issued a $1 million reward for information
- Kalim Saliba, reportedly killed in April 2020
- Two men, aged 33 and 58, have reported his death
Orchard owner Kalim Saliba, 86, died after he and his wife were allegedly attacked at their Cherrybrook home in April 2020
Two men have been arrested for the alleged burglary and murder of an elderly apple farmer three years ago.
Orchard owner Kalim Saliba, 86, suffered serious head injuries and died in hospital after allegedly being attacked by two men who broke into his home in Cherrybrook in Sydney’s northwest on April 29, 2020.
He had valiantly tried to defend his 83-year-old wife of 60, who was also seriously injured in the alleged attack.
NSW Police offered a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved in December 2021 and charged two men on Wednesday.
A 33-year-old was arrested at his home in Castle Hill, while a 58-year-old was arrested at Silverwater Correctional Complex.
Both have been charged with murder and specially aggravated burglary and committing a serious criminal offence.
Mr Saliba’s family thanked police in a statement on Wednesday and said their grief for the loss of their loved one will remain with them forever.
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of the alleged murder and trespassing of Mr. Saliba
NSW police officers arrest a 33-year-old man for the alleged murder of Mr Saliba
“We are immensely grateful to the NSW Police Force for all their diligent hard work and assistance over the past three years. We have full confidence in the research team and appreciate their support and hard work,” the family said.
“This has understandably been a traumatic and emotional time for our family. We have lost a dear family member and still mourn the loss every day.
“While the lawsuit is ongoing, our family is requesting privacy at this time.”
Both suspects were due to appear in court on Wednesday.
At the time of the alleged attack, police said two masked men broke into the couple’s home just after midnight.
Detectives spent months searching CCTV footage around the couple’s home in an attempt to find their alleged attackers.
Mr. Saliba owned the family-owned Saliba Fruits apple orchard in the town of Bilpin in the Blue Mountains.
NSW Police had offered a $1 million reward for information leading to an arrest in connection with Mr Saliba’s death