WA man charged over Tasmanian deaths

Update: A WA man has been charged with killing a retired couple in a remote part of southern Tasmania.

Fremantle man Nicholau Francisvo Soares, 27, was today charged with the murder of his 62-year-old mother Delys Weston and her partner Professor Gavin Mooney, 69.

Mr Soares appeared in court today where he did not enter a plea or apply for bail. He was remanded in custody for a psychological evaluation and is due to reappear in court next month.

A phone call prompted police to visit a property in Mountain River, south of Hobart, where two bodies were found about 1am (AEDT) today.

The couple appeared to have suffered blunt force trauma to the head, police say.

Police arrested the 27-year-old at the scene and charged him with two counts of murder.

The man had only arrived in Tasmania a few days ago.

“It’s just one of those tragic situations, unfortunately,” Detective Inspector Peter Powell said.

He says police are still trying to establish a possible motive for the crime.

Forensic investigators were at the house throughout the day and police have knocked on the doors of homes in the area.

Professor Mooney, who worked at Curtin University from August 2000 until his retirement in October 2008, has been described as an outspoken advocate for Aboriginal health services.

Professor Mooney and Dr Weston moved to Tasmania after he retired.