David Eldridge charged with murdering his father Bob Eldridge at Reynella East retirement village on Christmas Day
The identity of the man accused of murdering Robert Eldridge on Christmas Day can now be revealed, one day after he faced court.
Police & Courts
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THE man accused of murdering pensioner Robert “Bob” Eldridge in his retirement village home on Christmas Day is his son.
Adelaide Magistrates Court files show David Andrew Eldridge faced court by video link at 1pm on Tuesday, which was a public holiday.
No court buildings were open to the public on Tuesday, and any matters determined were heard by Magistrate Brett Dixon sitting “in chambers” via a video link with police cells.
It is understood, from legal sources, the decision to hear the matter on a public holiday was “court-driven”.
Mr Eldridge, 45, of Towitta, has yet to plead to one count of murder.
In press releases, police have alleged he fatally stabbed Robert Eldridge in his Reynella East unit.
Court files show David Eldridge made no application for bail and was remanded in custody until August.
No information is recorded, on the court file, as to why an eight-month adjournment was requested or required.
SA Police have declined to further comment on the case.
On his Facebook page, David states his occupation as being his father’s carer.
“Can’t wait to see all my family and friends in the next couple of days,” he posted prior to Christmas.
On Wednesday, residents of Robert Eldridge’s village described him as having been generous towards his son. Sylvia Wolverston said Dave Eldridge had been staying with his father at the village prior to the incident.
“Bob told us he bought a caravan for him … he’s been permanent for about three weeks,” she said.
Ms Wolverson said Robert was planning to go on holidays early in the new year.
“He said he booked a holiday to Queensland for about March.”
Resident Rob Morris recalls greeting David in the village.
“I wanted to speak to Bob about the bus and Dave just said ‘Dad’s up playing pool’,” Mr Curry said.
Fellow village resident Brian Curry said David had been living with his father.
“He’d stayed with him off and on but in the last few weeks he had stayed more frequently,” Mr Curry said.
Neighbour Tony Harvey remembered Bob as a “nice and lovely” man who opened up to him about his son over lunch in early September.
“He opened up to me. He told me about his son … they’d been sharing a house,” Mr Harvey said.
FAMILY MOURNS KIND RETIREE
Family and friends of Mr Eldridge, who was violently stabbed to death on Christmas Day at his Reynella East retirement village, have remembered him as a likeable “family man”.
A niece to Bob, under the name Andrews Carol, posted to Facebook “you will be missed” of the keen snooker player, music enthusiast and volunteer village bus driver.
“It is with sad news that our Uncle Robert Eldridge passed away due to unforeseen circumstances – only just seen you the other week for Christmas lunch,” she wrote.
“You looked well, bright eyed and looking forward, you will be missed, there will always be a seat for you at the dinner table RIP Robert. ️”
Neighbour Tony Harvey said Mr Eldridge was a “nice and lovely” man who opened up to him one afternoon in early September.
“We went to South Adelaide Football Club for one of the senior things … for lunch and he was sitting next to me at the table,” Mr Harvey said.
He said Mr Eldridge was a “family man” and was “so happy”.
“He was telling him he had a record collection of old records which were quite unique,” Mr Harvey said.
“He collected them over the years, right back to the big band era, the original 1940s.“If you met him you would’ve liked him, he was a likeable man.”
Collin and Sylvia Wolverson said they built a strong rapport with Mr Eldridge after he moved into the village about six months ago.
“He’d do anything for anybody,” Mr Wolverson said.
“I’m just devastated, I couldn’t believe it,” Ms Wolverson added.
They said Mr Eldridge had a love for music and snooker.
“He recorded lots of music and he was a disc jockey,” Ms Wolverson said.
“It was through snooker that I met him,” Mr Wolverson said.
“I met him two years ago and we got on really well and everyone at the snooker club liked him.”
Mr Eldridge’s life was brought to a violent end at about 9.40pm on Sunday night when David Eldridge is alleged by police to have fatally stabbed his father inside his home at the village.
Police and emergency services rushed to the scene, but Mr Eldridge was unable to be saved.
It is understood that a memorial service is being organised in the retirement village given the popularity of Mr Eldridge among residents.
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