Cherrybrook home invasion: Police say Colin Saliba’s attacker knew about orchard business
Two intruders who bashed deeply religious grandfather Colin Saliba to death in his own home wanted cash and had intimate knowledge of his popular apple growing business, police believe.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two intruders who bashed deeply religious grandfather Colin Saliba to death in his own home wanted cash and had intimate knowledge of his popular apple growing business, police believe.
Mr Saliba, 86, died in hospital on Wednesday after being attacked just after midnight alongside his wife Josephine, 84, inside their Cherrybrook home.
The Daily Telegraph understands threats made by the two men indicated they believed the elderly couple had brought a sum of money back to their Cherrybrook home that day.
The intruders are understood to have left empty-handed.
Ryde police detectives were delving into Mr Saliba’s affairs and associates this week with the assistance from the homicide squad.
Daughter-in-law Lilly Saliba told The Daily Telegraph Mr Saliba was a beautiful, faith-filled man who arrived in Australia 70 years ago.
“He migrated to Australia from Lebanon in hope of a better life for himself and his family. He and his brothers found a plot of land in Bilpin that reminded them of home, so that is how they started the orchard 40 years ago,” Ms Saliba said.
“His main concern his whole life was providing for his family. He worked hard every day — he was a family man who was happiest with his children and grandchildren.
“He would never miss a game of footy or football or whatever the children or grandchildren were interested in.”
The orchard business Saliba Fruits, run by Saliba family, was listed for sale on March 4.
Mr Saliba, a devout Maronite Catholic, and his wife had been married for most of their lives, with the former apple picker caring for his partner for the past few years.
“They were married for 65 years. He was her king and she was his queen. Her health has not been well the last little while and he was doting on her and caring for her,” Ms Saliba said.
Mrs Saliba is being looked after by family following the attack, which broke her wrist and finger and left her with cuts and bruises on her head.
She was released from Westmead Hospital on Wednesday afternoon and has barely been able to speak.
“She is in shock. We all are. We cannot believe it. We just don’t want anyone else to go through what we are going through,” Lilly Saliba said.
Mr Saliba is also survived by his sons Joe, Ray and John, their wives and children, and seven great-grandchildren.
“Colin was loved by everybody. He does not have an enemy in the world. He loved everybody, he loved talking to people, seeing people,” Ms Saliba said.
After the attack on Wednesday, Acting Superintendent Anthony Boyd said it was a targeted crime.
“To attack a defenceless elderly couple within their home is a cowardly gutless attack,” Acting Superintendent Anthony Boyd said.
“We don’t believe it’s a random attack but the reasons for the attack are still being investigated.”
Anyone with information about the incident or the attackers is urged to contact police.