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Couple killed in horrific Penola crash identified as Trevor and Catherine Schutz from Suttontown

Locals across the state’s South-East have started paying tribute to the couple who lost their lives in a horrific crash near Penola on Easter Sunday.

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The identities of the two Suttontown locals killed in a horror crash in the state’s South-East on Easter Sunday has been revealed.

Catherine and Trevor Schutz, 54 and 62, were killed in a crash at the intersection of Riddoch Hwy and Three Mile Lane just after 5pm on Sunday.

Emergency services and witnesses rushed to the scene but the couple, who were driving a black Ford sedan, could not be saved.

Local residents have told The Advertiser the couple had been living at their Suttontown property for more than 20 years and both had a role in working on it.

It is also understood they had involvement in the local Lutheran church and are survived by two daughters.

Locals said they were “very nice” people.

Trevor and Catherine Schutz from Suttontown, near Mount Gambier. Picture: Facebook
Trevor and Catherine Schutz from Suttontown, near Mount Gambier. Picture: Facebook

Shane Leistra, 51, has been charged over the horrific three-car crash and was granted bail in Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

He has been charged with two counts of cause death by dangerous driving and two counts of cause serious harm by dangerous driving.

The court heard Mr Leistra showed little remorse at the crash scene.

“The defendant, at the time … had shown a lack of remorse,” she said. “I can’t comment on why that’s the case … it could be a number of reasons.”

The police prosecutor asked for a bail condition to be imposed barring Mr Leistra from driving a car for the next 12 months.

Police were called to the intersection of the Riddoch Highway and Three Mile Lane just after 5.15pm on Sunday after reports of the crash.

Mr Leistra was behind the wheel of a Ford ute that collided with the Schutzs’ sedan and a Tesla.

Two Victorian women in the Tesla were rushed to hospital for the non-life-threatening injuries.

Mr Leistra was also injured and appeared in court from hospital.

Meanwhile, tributes for the Suttontown couple have been posted to social media.

One person wrote: “They were the greatest people alive, always helping out others.”

Another said: “Absolutely shocked to hear this news. Down to earth, decent, friendly people. (I’ve) been to their farm a few times collecting their beloved jerseys, (they’re) always up for a chat. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.”

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/mount-gambier/couple-killed-in-horrific-penola-crash-identified-as-trevor-and-catherine-schutz-from-suttontown/news-story/9515e9234b1e1885b63a7cabbde56ce4