Neighbour recalls horrific details after mum killed in home invasion
A neighbour has recalled the chilling moment he heard two girls scream for help after their mum was allegedly murdered during a home invasion in Brisbane.
Superintendent John Hallam says mum-of-two Emma Lovell, 41, and her husband, Lee Lovell, 43, were attacked after confronting two 17-year-old boys who had allegedly broken into their North Lakes home at about 11.30pm on Boxing Day.
Ms Lovell was stabbed in the chest and her husband in the back, with both being rushed to hospital, however she died not long after being admitted.
Just hours after her tragic death, a neighbour told The Courier Mail he heard the 41-year-old's daughters yelling "someone help my mum, help my mum" immediately after the "confrontation".
"I witnessed the ambulances trying to help the mum on the front lawn," Jay Balhatchet told the publication. "There was stuff everywhere all over the front lawn from all the things that were left on the front lawn."
Mr Balhatchet said he saw another neighbour run over to help, but Mr Lovell was already on the phone to emergency services. "The whole way it ended, it shouldn’t end up that way," he told the publication.
Two teens charged with murder
Queensland Police have confirmed that two 17-year-old boys, who were questioned by police earlier today, will be charged later on Tuesday with murder, attempted murder and break-and-enter.
"A confrontation has occurred inside the dwelling, and then outside on the front yard of the dwelling, where the woman sadly suffered a fatal stab wound and the male with her also suffered a stab wound," Supt Hallam said.
Detectives have also arrested two other males, who are still being questioned about the incident by police.
"The intruders had no links to the Lovells, Supt Hallam said. "They (the couple) disturbed the offenders inside the dwelling, they were woken by ... barking dogs," he added.
"They disturbed them (the pair) inside the dwelling, and yes they (the Lovells) were defending their house."
The two intruders fled the scene but were tracked to a nearby address by a police dog squad.
Devastated husband breaks his silence
Ms Lovell's heartbroken husband returned to the scene on Tuesday afternoon, telling The Courier Mail his family is "devastated" by her "senseless" loss".
"Emma was the glue to my family she was such a beautiful person," he said.
Supt Hallam described the Lovell family as "traumatised" and "shattered".
"We will continue to offer them support moving forward and not only are they shattered to have lost their mother and their wife, but the whole community is mourning as well," he said.
A Gofundme has been set up by the community to support the family with funeral costs and anything more they need. It has so far raised almost $7000.
Just days before his wife's death, Mr Lovell posted photos of his family spending Christmas Eve at a beach on the Sunshine Coast.
"So for the 1st time in 11 years we spent Christmas day on the beach, even managed to cook up some bacon and eggs! Hope everyone has a great Christmas day spent with loved ones and friends," Mr Lovell wrote in a Facebook post.
With AAP
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