North Lakes home invasion: Teens charged with murder after mother stabbed

A Moreton Bay mother was defending her home when murdered by teenage boys during an attempted break-in, police allege.

A Moreton Bay mother was defending her home when she was murdered by teenage boys after a botched break-in, police will allege.

Screams for help could be heard moments after Emma Lovell, 41, was stabbed while fighting off two intruders who broke into the family home at North Lakes on Monday night about 11.30.

Queensland Ambulance Service medical director Dr Stephen Rashford and a High Acuity Response Unit officer attempted lifesaving surgery on Ms Lovell but she could not be saved.

Ms Lovell’s husband, Lee, 43, was also stabbed in the back during the home invasion on Whitfield Crescent, before the teens fled the property.

Two boys from Brisbane, both aged 17, will face Brisbane Children’s Court charged with murder and attempted murder.

The other two boys, aged 17 and 16, are continuing to be interviewed by police.

Mr Lovell broke down outside his home after returning from hospital on Tuesday.

“Emma was the glue to my family, she was such a beautiful person,” he said.

“We are all just devastated by the loss, it’s senseless.”

Police said the four teens were arrested about 4am on Tuesday after being tracked by the dog squad.

The horrific murder has reignited debate about the adequacy of Queensland’s juvenile justice laws.

Senior police declined to say if any of the teenagers were on bail but said officers previously had “contact” with them.

Superintendent John Hallam said police would allege two boys entered the home at which point there was a confrontation.

He said the Lovells were woken by barking dogs.

“They disturbed them (the intruders) inside the dwelling and they were defending their house,” he said.

Superintendent Hallam said Ms Lovell was stabbed outside the home.

When asked if the incident was random, he said investigations had failed to find any link between the offenders and the Lovells.

“So there is no relationship there,” he said.

Victim Emma Lovell (Facebook image)

Neighbour Jay Balhatchet said he could hear people screaming for help.

“I witnessed the ambulances trying to help the mum on the front lawn,” he said.

Mr Balhatchet said his neighbours went to assist.

“He heard all the screaming, the guy next door, to the left, and rushed over and tried to help but the dad was already on the phone to the police and ambulance,” he said.

Mr Balhatchet said that he knew instantly that Mrs Lovell’s injuries were “severe”. “(Paramedics) tried to save her for about 15 minutes,” he said.

Superintendent Hallam said the Lovell family would be offered support in coming days.

“As you would expect, they are absolutely traumatised and shattered,” he said.

“Not only are they shattered – they have lost their mother and their wife – but the whole community is mourning as well.”

Superintendent Hallam said it was a “terribly sad day”.

“I still struggle to understand why these types of violent crimes occur, and it’s occurred again,” he said.

Police at the scene on Tuesday. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

“We need to work together as a community to say ‘no’ to this type of violence.”

Originally from England, Mr Lovell previously wrote online that the couple first travelled to Australia in 2002 and visited places on the east coast before deciding to make the move permanently.

They regularly posted photos and comments about Australia’s beaches, with Mr Lovell commenting on the lifestyle.

“It is amazing over here, being able to go to the beach, swim in warm water, using free BBQs etc, but, as you’ve said before, it’s hard not being around friends and family,” he wrote online previously about the decision to relocate.

“We only have one life, so go for it and don’t have any regrets.”

As police arrested the teens they allege were responsible for her death, devastated friends of the family placed flowers and cards near the Lovell home.

Superintendent Hallam said if people were confronted by intruders, they needed to ensure they were safe, as well as their family.

“And calling triple-0 at the earliest opportunity is one of the best things you can do,” he said.

Family friends lay flowers outside the home. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen