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Crime

23rd Nov 2021

Teacher and wife killed as kids slept upstairs in ‘row over parking’

Kieran Galpin

The kids are being cared for by specialist officers

An alleged parking dispute came to a saddening climax on Sunday, resulting in the death of a married couple as their two young kids slept upstairs.

In the village of Norton Fitzwarren, Somerset, a married couple sustained severe injuries inside their home, reports the BBC.

Murder

Now named as 36-year-old Stephen Chapple and his wife Jennifer Chapple, 33, both were pronounced dead at the scene, despite paramedics doing their best to save the couple.

Sources told the Sun that the couple had been embroiled in a row over parking in the weeks leading up to the attack – but police have confirmed nothing as of yet.

Their two young sons, aged four and seven, who were asleep upstairs at the time of the attack, are now being cared for by specialist officers.

Police officials confirmed they had previously been called to deal with arguments related to parking issues.

Two men aged 34 and 67, who are believed to be related to one another, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

One local resident said: “I knew them by sight but I didn’t know their names, my dog used to really like the lady.”

Detective Inspector Neil Meade of the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “The thoughts of everyone in the force are with the families of the two people who sadly died.

“Two young children were inside the property at the time of the incident and while thankfully they weren’t hurt, they are understandably distressed at what has happened.

“They are being looked after and specially trained officers have been deployed to support the victims’ families in what is undoubtedly the most difficult of times.”

Murder

He added: “We will carry out a full and thorough investigation and we will do all we can to achieve justice for the victims’ families.

“While this appears to be an isolated incident, there will be increased police activity in the area to provide the community with reassurance.

“Incidents like this are very rare but when they do happen, we know they cause significant concern so we’d urge anyone with worries or questions to speak to an officer or contact their local neighbourhood policing team.

“If anyone has information which would help our investigation, please phone 101 and give the call-handler the reference number 5221274497.”

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