An ex-Army commando is due to appear in court charged with the murders of a couple who were stabbed to death at their home in a Somerset village.
Collin Reeves, 34, will appear at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday in connection with the deaths of Jennifer and Stephen Chapple.
The couple were killed as their children slept upstairs at their home in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, at around 9.45pm on Sunday.
Collin Reeves, 34, will appear at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday in connection with the deaths of Jennifer and Stephen Chapple
The couple were killed as their children slept upstairs at their home in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, at around 9.45pm on Sunday
Avon and Somerset Police said post-mortem examinations found both Ms Chapple, 33, and her 36-year-old husband died from multiple stab wounds. Pictured: Police at the scene
Avon and Somerset Police said post-mortem examinations found both Ms Chapple, 33, and her 36-year-old husband died from multiple stab wounds.
Reeves, of Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, and formerly of 24 Commando Royal Engineer, is charged with two counts of murder.
A second man, aged 67, was arrested on suspicion of the two murders on Sunday evening, and was released under investigation on Tuesday.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that he remains under investigation.
The incident is alleged to be linked to a long running dispute over parking, as neighbours left their cars outside each other’s drivers, causing them to be blocked in.
Detective Inspector Neil Meade, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: ‘Specialist officers are providing support to Jennifer and Stephen’s families and our thoughts remain with them this evening.
‘We’ve been keeping them fully updated on the progress of our investigation and they’re aware of this latest development.
‘It is undoubtedly an extremely difficult time for them and I’d ask their privacy is respected as they continue to come to terms with what has happened.’
He added: ‘I’d like to remind both the media and the public that criminal proceedings are now active and Collin Reeves has a right to a fair trial.
‘It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’
Detectives confirmed at a press conference yesterday that the couple’s two children, five and six, were in their upstairs bedrooms while the attack took place.
They were found ‘distressed’ but unhurt and are now being looked after by Jenny’s sister at a home nearby, neighbours said.
Avon and Somerset Police said post-mortem examinations found both Ms Chapple, 33, and her 36-year-old husband died from multiple stab wounds.
The force said the incident on the Dragon Rise estate would be referred to the policing watchdog due to ‘prior police contact with those involved’.
Over the last few days, tributes from those who knew and worked with the couple have flooded in.
Gregg Mockridge, Headteacher at West Somerset College, where Mr Chapple worked, said: ‘Steve was a fantastic colleague at West Somerset College, a brilliant teacher that cared deeply about the students in his care. He led innovations in the use of technology across the school as well as within his own teaching.
‘Steve will be sadly missed by all staff and students and our thoughts and prayers go out to his children and wider family at this time.’
Mr Reeves (pictured) lived in a three-bedroom property on a new-build estate in the Somerset village of Norton Fitzwarren, near Taunton, next door to IT teacher Stephen Chapple, 36, and his garden centre worker wife Jenny, 33
A picture showing Stephen and Jenny that was left next to a pile of flowers outside Dragon Rise
Rob Brooks, manager of the Otter Garden Centre, where Mrs Chapple worked in the coffee shop, told MailOnline: ‘She was a well loved member of staff and a very kind person.
‘We all loved her and so did the customers. We are devastated. We will remember her as a beautiful, kind and dedicated mother and colleague. This has hit us all very hard and it feels very raw.’
Mr Brooks said that Mrs Chapple had been working at the garden centre since the start of the year.
He added: ‘Stephen and the kids would sometimes come in and we got to know them too. They were a really close knit, loving family.’
Neighbours living on the new build estate around Dragon Rise described the area as quiet, with one describing the victims as ‘very friendly’.
‘I knew them by sight but I didn’t know their names, my dog used to really like the lady.’
Another neighbour said he had not realised anything was wrong even when the air ambulance arrived, and had believed it had just been from the nearby military base.
‘We slept through it all – we only saw all of the police and the tape this morning,’ he said.
Others said they heard screams and later the police and emergency services arriving.
A police cordon is still in place at two properties on the street while officers carry out a forensic examination of the scene.
