Crime scene established after suspected murder-suicide at retirement village
An elderly couple who were found dead in their unit at an Adelaide retirement village have been identified, with police treating their deaths as a murder-suicide.
Barbara and Dennis Willshire, both 92, were found on Wednesday morning by a staff member during morning rounds, though police say it is unclear when the couple died.
After the staff member raised the alarm, police and paramedics were called to the unit, which is part of a larger retirement and nursing home precinct in Glynde.
The quiet village quickly became a crime scene, with major crime detectives working all day to piece together what happened in the leadup to the couple’s death.
Superintendent Matt Nairn of South Australia Police said it was believed that the man killed his wife and then himself, though a full investigation would be conducted.
“We believe it is a murder-suicide and, at this stage, we believe the man has killed potentially his wife and then taken his own life,” Nairn said.
He added that there was nothing untoward known about the couple’s relationship and that their children had been notified.
“As you can imagine, this is very tragic for a family,” Nairn said.
Barbara and Dennis were known for being social and their deaths have sent shockwaves through their community, with neighbours saying it was “one of those things you don’t face every day”.
“Living in a courtyard like this you get to know people,” one neighbour said.
“Very sorry for everyone. It’s one of those things you don’t face every day,” another said.
The couple’s best friends of 30 years, who moved into a neighbouring unit to be close to them, were particularly affected.
“We did a lot of things together as older people,” the couple said.
“It’s a big shock to us… it’s hard to accept.
“If you wanted to know anything you asked Dennis because he was a very bright person.”
Dennis and Barbara’s friends also said Barbara has become increasingly unwell over the past four months.
“She was very unwell and Dennis was very distressed about the whole situation, she’d been unwell for about three months,” one said.
“It’s hard to accept that they’ve gone… I still can’t believe it.”
A spokesperson for Lutheran Homes Group, which operates the retirement village, told the ABC the pair had been living independently in the unit where they were found, and that the village was offering both pastoral and counselling support for those who needed it.
“Pastoral support is being offered to residents, as well as counselling support for staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our Glynde community at this difficult time,” they said.
If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au.
Image: Nine News