News
30 April, 2024
‘Raise a beer to our old man Nick’
The family of a Burpengary East couple assaulted on ANZAC Day, resulting in the death of the man and hospitalisation of the woman, has released a statement encouraging people “to come together and raise a beer to our ‘old man’ Nick”.
Nicholas Reeves and his wife, Suzanne Reeves, both in their 70s, suffered severe head injuries on April 25, allegedly at the hands of 26-year-old Beachmere man, Frederick Steel Sayers.
Mr Reeves was declared dead at the scene, while Mrs Reeves was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition, according to a Queensland Police spokesperson.
The family said they were “shocked and devastated” by the attack and were praying for the survival of Suzanne.
“Remember him (Nicholas) for the person he was, and the impact he had on all our lives,” the family said. “Reminisce on the stories he used to tell and his off - beat sense of humour.
“Trust us, that sense of humour has rallied us in the past few days, as we ride every emotion, and it would make our Dad happy to know his humour has passed on to his girls.”
The family also stated they were not ready to make funeral arrangements, as they “are not willing to make (decisions) without Mum”.
The family thanked emergency services and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital staff for their efforts, and were urging people to leave police and prosecutors to “do their job unhindered”.
Mr Sayers was charged with the murder and attempted murder of the Burpengary East couple on the night of April 25.
His committal hearing has been adjourned for three months, after first appearing at Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on April 26.
Acting Magistrate Peter Cooke denied Frederick Steel Sayers the possibility of applying for bail, due to the severity of the charges.
The matter has now been adjourned to the Caboolture Magistrates Court on July 26, following the requests of defence attorney, Brendan Whelan.
“I am ordering a brief of evidence to be provided, which will take approximately three months to allow for the size,” Mr Whelan said.
Police prosecutor Alex Donald told the court he would have witness statements ready two weeks before Sayers’ committal mention at Caboolture.
It’s alleged that on the morning of ANZAC Day, while people were out paying respects to servicemen and women, Mr Sayers assaulted the Reeves’ during an altercation.
Around 9.20am, police responded to an address in Bramston Court, in Burpengary East, to conduct a welfare check, after a person witnessed the incident.
Upon arrival, police found the elderly couple with serious head injuries, with Mr Reeves declared dead.
According to Detective Inspector David Harbison, initial investigations indicate Mr Sayers was doing gardening work in the house next door to the Revees’, when an argument “of some type” broke out.
A large pick axe was seen at the scene by a neighbour, but police are yet to confirm the exact details of what is alleged to have occurred.
Police advised the incident is not domestic violence related.
Any information can be submitted using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/ reporting or call 131 444.
