Pensioners brutally stabbed in their own home by stranger before man fights back | World | News
Keith and Di Nimet (Image: Nine News)
An elderly couple are fighting for their lives in hospital after they were allegedly stabbed during a violent home invasion, but not before shooting the alleged intruder when he tried to force his way into their home for a second time.
As the elderly couple called for help during an attempted attack on their home in Torrington, rural New South Wales, police and emergency services were already on their way to the scene in the remote Australian town.
The couple was identified as 75-year-old Keith Blessing and his wife Di, 72, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
First responders were called to the NSW property, located approximately 64 kilometers south-west of the rural center of Tenterfield, following a break-in by the couple just after 12.15am on Thursday morning. Police allege the couple were at their home in rural NSW when 34-year-old Joshua Dylan Trethewey broke into their home and attacked them both with a knife.
During the violent rush, Di was injured in the chest and collapsed. Her husband was wounded in the abdomen before the intruder fled onto the porch of the house.
Keith and Di Blessing were both allegedly seriously injured during a horrific house attack (Image: Nine News)
But the drama is not over yet. While Blessings called 000 (the Australian emergency number) for help, Trethewey allegedly tried to re-enter the house to make a second attempt.
But the hosts were more prepared this time, Keith was now armed. And so, the alleged robber was shot and his second and final attempt to enter the brave couple’s home was thwarted.
Police also attended the scene from the nearby regional centers of Tenterfield and Glen Innes, as well as paramedics from NSW Ambulance.
The pair were treated at the scene for serious injuries before being taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in neighboring Queensland state for treatment. Both were airlifted in a serious condition and it is understood both Keith and Di underwent emergency surgery.
Trethewey, the alleged attacker, was also treated at the scene for his injuries. He was treated by paramedics for a gunshot wound to his abdomen before being transported by ambulance to Armidale Hospital in NSW, where he was kept under police guard until he recovered. ‘His condition is understood to be serious but stable.’
NSW Police confirmed on Thursday morning that Trethewey had been charged with two counts of wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.
NSW Police Detective Superintendent Chris McKinnon said: “We do not believe the couple knew him. We are certainly investigating all the circumstances surrounding what happened today, but at this stage I cannot say why he tried to re-enter the house.”
“As far as we know, nothing was stolen from residents.”
Map of NSW and Queensland showing Torrington (Image: Map of NSW and Queensland showing Torrington)
Supt McKinnon said Keith was initially able to defend himself after grabbing a knife from the kitchen and wounding his alleged attacker.
“[The attacker] He then left the house but then tried to go back in and the man grabbed a firearm and fired a single shot at the attacker, Supt McKinnon told Australian radio program 2GB.
Supt McKinnon later praised the old man for his actions.
“He certainly did the best he could under very difficult circumstances to defend himself and his partner,” the police officer said. “It was pretty impressive that he was able to do that, considering the extent of the injuries he sustained.”
Police said the gun was a licensed firearm.
Trethewey was refused bail and was due to appear in the Bail Division Court later today, but just minutes into the court session, the judge told the assembled press that the matter would not proceed as a “bedside hearing” had been “denied”.
Norm, a long-time friend of the couple, said the incident was devastating for the same radio station in Sydney.
“He’s a great guy, an absolutely wonderful man. They’re husband and wife, wouldn’t hurt a fly and they live a peaceful, quiet life,” she told 2GB.
“[Now] They are bloody [hurt]…I can’t believe this. “They put fruit out front for people to come and pick it up, so they can take care of their neighbors.”
The couple’s condition is critical but stable.
