Somerset: Neighbours 'shocked' at killing of couple at their home amid reports of parking space row
Stephen Chapple, 36, and his 33-year-old wife Jennifer died at the property in the village of Norton Fitzwarren on Sunday night while their two children were inside the house.
Tuesday 23 November 2021 23:18, UK
Friends and neighbours have spoken of their shock after a man and woman were killed at their Somerset home while their two children were inside.
Stephen Chapple, 36, and his 33-year-old wife Jennifer died at the property in the village of Norton Fitzwarren on Sunday night.
Avon and Somerset Police were called to the house on Dragon Rise at 9.45pm.
The pair were both found with serious injuries and pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination confirmed Mrs Chapple died of multiple stab wounds.
The force has said the couple's two children, aged five and six, were discovered asleep upstairs and are being looked after by family.
Two men, aged 34 and 67, were arrested on suspicion of murder.
The 67-year-old has since been released under investigation. The 34-year-old, understood to be an immediate neighbour, remains in custody.
On Tuesday, magistrates granted an extension to the custody time limit in relation to the 34-year-old.
Police forensic teams have remained at the scene, with the entire street still under a cordon.
A police drone has been flying above the properties and specialist equipment used to clear drains.
West Somerset College, where Mr Chapple worked, called him "a brilliant teacher that cared deeply about the students in his care".
It said he was a "fantastic colleague" who "led innovations in the use of technology across the school as well as within his own teaching".
"Steve will be sadly missed by all staff and students and our thoughts and prayers go out to his children and wider family at this time."
A post-mortem examination into Mr Chapple's cause of death is ongoing, police said.
One neighbour, who didn't want to be named, said their children knew each other.
"I'm in shock. It's unbelievable it has happened so close to home," they said.
"They were well known. I knew them through school. They were very friendly, always said hello, it's so sad."
There have been reports that a row over parking spaces had taken place.
"It appears each house has two spaces, but I wasn't aware there was an issue," the neighbour added.
Another neighbour, Lu Graca, who lives behind the couple's home, told Sky News what he had heard on Sunday night.
He said: "On Sunday night we were in the living room. I saw blue lights, police, ambulance and went into the kids room and saw lots of police cars, helicopter. I realised something really bad had happened.
"I saw guys with white suits on in the house. I feel bad. I saw them a few times from our window and they look like a normal family, kids playing, doing a BBQ. All of us are sad. It's so bad for community."
Avon and Somerset Police said that due to prior police contact with those involved, a mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Neil Meade said: "What happened to Stephen and Jennifer is utterly heartbreaking and I can't begin to imagine the impact their deaths will have on their two children.
"I appreciate there is significant interest in what happened and I'd ask people not to speculate and to think about the impact it may have on the families.
"This is a tragic incident which has shocked the community and neighbourhood officers are patrolling the area to provide reassurance. Should anyone have any concerns about what happened I'd encourage them to talk to them."