Two children and two adults found dead in Davidson home
The bodies of Fernando Manrique, 44 his wife Maria Claudia Lutz Pena and their two children, Elisa, 11, and Martin, 10, who both suffered from learning difficulties, were discovered at home in Davidson. Their dog was also found dead.
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Friends have expressed shock and sadness at the deaths of four people at a home in Sydney’s north shore, possible victims of a triple murder-suicide.
The bodies of Fernando Manrique, 44 his wife Maria Claudia Lutz Pena and their two children, Elisa, 11, and Martin, 10, were found this morning at home in Sir Thomas Mitchell Drive in Davidson.
The pet dog was also found dead.
The couple, originally from Bogota, Colombia, have lived at the home since 2005. He worked for a logistics company.
Their two children, who suffered from learning difficulties, attended St Lucy’s Catholic School, in Wahroonga, where their mother also worked in the canteen.
When she didn’t arrive today, staff raised the alarm.
Police arrived at the house at 11am and found a scene described as “confronting”, although it is believed there were no marks on the children’s bodies.
This afternoon, the school principal paid a glowing tribute to Mrs Lutz.
Warren Hopley addressed the media this afternoon at the school expressing shock and sadness for the loss of two students.
He said Lutz was a constant source of inspiration who regularly volunteered at the school and was devoted to her children.
“The school has been in a state of shock today and everyone will need some time to process what has happened,” Mr Hopley said.
“Marea was someone who always was willing to help out no matter what the school was doing and today’s events have had an impact everyone.”
The school, in Wahroonga, caters for high complex needs students and with two children in Year 4 and 5 assessed as having moderate intellectual disabilities.
Chief superintendent of Northern Beaches, Dave Darcy, said the two police officers who found the bodies had been debriefed after “finding it very confronting.”
He said this afternoon: “No one saw any thing at this stage,no one has witnessed this and can tell us what happened.
“It’s far too early to jump to any conclusions; we are not yet looking for anyone in connection with what happened.“This is a very serious investigation, two young children have died, and two adults.
“It’s just a tragedy, the mother in particular is held in very high regard.
“Since coming to Australia they’ve made a significant contribution and have done a fantastic job.”
Mr Manrique’s business partner Grant Mackenzie, said today that he was in Manila, Philippines, and expecting Mr Manrique to join him.
“I had no idea,” Mr Mackenzie, chief executive officer of Drake Business Logistics, said.
Mr Manrique had been the company’s chief technology officer for four years.
A resident, Kirsty Den Brinke, said: “It is really quiet round here and very family friendly. This is going to shake the whole community.”
If you are distressed by this story, contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
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