Suspected Townsville killer paroled seven hours before stabbing death of woman, 81

THE man suspected of the stabbing murder of an elderly Townsville woman in her home on Tuesday was released on parole seven hours earlier.

The elderly man who found Elizabeth Kippin’s body speaks with police.

THE suspected killer of an elderly woman whose body was found midway through a press conference was released on parole just seven hours before the crime, it has emerged.

The body of Elizabeth Kippin, 81, was discovered by a neighbour while police were talking to reporters about two attempted murders at a nearby house.

She had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Anthony O’Keefe is suspected of stabbing a man and a woman on Tuesday in Townsville before going to the home of Ms Kippin and fatally stabbing her.

It has now emerged O’Keefe, 32, had been released on parole just seven hours before the attack.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has ordered a full briefing from the state’s Corrective Services Commissioner on why O’Keefe was released on parole at 3pm on Tuesday.

About 10pm, he is suspected of murdering Ms Kippin in her home in a brutal, drug-fuelled attack.

The 81-year-old, who Detective Inspector Kelly Hervey described as, “an upstanding member of the community” was not known to O’Keefe.

O’Keefe remains in Townsville Hospital under police guard, where charges are expected to be laid on Friday.

Police believe the 32-year-old went to the Wulguru home of 26-year-old Brittny Speechly about 10pm on Tuesday, where, in a drug-fuelled rage he stabbed her in the face, chest and stomach.

He also stabbed another man before apparently going to the home of the elderly Ms Kippin.

The elderly woman’s body was not found until the following morning when a neighbour went to investigate why she had not collected her paper and discovered the grisly scene.

He dramatically interrupted a press conference Insp Hervey was giving about the two attempted murders with cries of, “she’s dead” ringing across the neighbourhood.

The house where Elizabeth Kippin lived in Townsville.

Police arrested a naked and allegedly drug-affected O’Keefe outside Ms Speechly’s home on Tuesday night, after tasering him.

Insp Hervey told ABC local radio Ms Kippin’s death was a tragedy.

“This lady that so sadly has died was an upstanding member of the community. She was very well liked in that area,” she said.

“Very sadly a very innocent, beautiful lady has lost their life because people are on drugs.”

The Queensland Department of Justice has refused to comment on O’Keefe’s release.

The Townsville Bulletinreported he had been released three times on parole in the past two years, only to reoffend and return to jail within days.

Ms Palaszczuk said she had requested an urgent briefing on the matter.

“This is a tragedy. My heart goes to the friends and family of the woman who has died,” she said.

“This is now subject to police investigations.

“I will not say anything to jeopardise the investigation or legal process.

“I have asked for a full briefing from Corrective Services Commissioner on the operation of parole in Queensland.

“Community safety is paramount.”

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