Two 17-year-olds charged with murder after alleged Brisbane attack
The husband of a woman allegedly murdered during a violent home invasion in Brisbane has lamented her ‘senseless’ death.
The husband of a woman allegedly murdered by two teenagers during a violent home invasion in Brisbane’s north described her as a beautiful person as he lamented her “senseless” death.
Two boys, both 17, have been charged with murdering mother-of-two Emma Lovell, 41, after she tried to prevent them from robbing her north Brisbane home.
They were also charged with the attempted murder of her husband, Lee Lovell, 43, who was stabbed in the back during the scuffle late on Monday night.
Mr Lovell returned to the family’s neat brick home in North Lakes about 2pm on Tuesday after spending the night and morning in hospital, where his own wounds were treated.
He emotionally told journalists gathered at the home of the shock and sadness he and his children were feeling.
“Emma was the glue to my family,” Mr Lovell said. “She was such a beautiful person.
“We are all just devastated by her loss; it’s senseless.”
In posts on social media, he described the family’s Christmas, spent with friends at Scarborough Beach and on the Sunshine Coast.
“It was the third year we’d gone (to Scarborough),” Mr Lovell said.
“We were trying to start a tradition to make some memories. We are all devastated by this.
“My wife, my best friend, our children’s mum, has been taken away.”
The couple, originally from England, moved to Brisbane in 2011 after falling in love with the country and its lifestyle as travellers in 2002.
British-based friends said they were devastated at the death of Ms Lovell, described as a devoted family woman with a “heart of gold”.
Christina Lofthouse, a close friend of Ms Lovell since they attended Farlinaye High School in Woodbridge, Suffolk 33 years ago, said her shock death had “left a massive hole in our lives”.
“I only spoke with her (Emma) yesterday morning.This horrible and senseless crime has left a massive hole in our lives,” Ms Lofthouse told the East Anglian Daily Times yesterday.
“She was the first person I messaged in the morning and the last person I spoke to at night.
“We had a friendship like no other. Even though we were 10,000 miles away, we were always together in spirit.
“She truly had a heart of gold and helped me and my family out in some of our darkest days.”
Janice Lovell, from the British city of Ipswich, wrote: “Lee’s mum and dad would like to thank everyone for their kind words at this terrible time. Emma was a lovely wife and mother and will be forever missed.”
Judith Jones said: “I have no words Lee. I’m sorry. So many people loved her.”
Rhiannon Smith said that her family was heartbroken to hear the news. “Emma’s loss is far reaching. Sending strength, peace and prayers.”
Neighbours and police described the horrific scene that shattered the peace of the suburban street on Boxing Day.
“Unfortunately, police were called to the address late last night and confronted with a horrific scene,” Moreton Police District Superintendent John Hallam said.
“Paramedics did all they possibly could but unfortunately the lady passed away when she was admitted to the hospital.”
Police allege the couple were woken about 11.30pm by barking dogs, and when they went to investigate, were confronted the teens in their home.
The scuffle started inside the house before spilling out on to the front lawn, where the couple was stabbed. “They were defending their house,” Superintendent Hallam said.
The boys, whose addresses were listed as Zillmere and Holland Park, were tracked to a nearby home by the police dog squad about 4am on Tuesday.
They were arrested and charged about 4pm with murder, attempted murder and break and enter.
Two other boys, aged 16 and 17, were also taken into custody but they have not been charged and were helping police with the investigation.
Police were still investigating whether the youths brought the knife to the home or obtained it inside.
“The investigation so far has failed to find any linkages between the persons in our custody and the victims in this matter,” Superintendent Hallam said.
“There’s no relationship there.
“I can say that we have had prior contact with all four of the persons that are currently in our custody.”
The Palaszczuk government has faced years of accusations from the opposition of being weak on youth crime.
Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard defended the government’s review of youth justice legislation last year that led to the reversing of the presumption of bail for young offenders.
“We made significant changes, including introducing the presumption against bail last year, and that has seen more young people held in detention and held for longer,” Ms Linard said.
“The courts, of course, will apply that legislation, but as a government, we are making sure the legislation is clear.”
Asked if police were frustrated by repeat offenders, Superintendent Hallam said: “This is a community problem.
“It isn’t a policing problem.
“We can’t arrest our way out of this.”
With NCA/NewsWire
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