The owner of a holiday apartment block was allegedly killed after stepping in to help his wife who had been in an argument with a guest.
The attack
Alfred Westmoreland, 75, the owner and onsite manager of TreeTops holiday units in Torquay, Queensland, was allegedly attacked at 7.50pm on Friday.
It came after he stepping in to assist his wife during an alleged altercation with a 33-year-old man.
Emergency services were called to the complex after receiving reports of an assault before they found Mr Westmoreland unresponsive with serious injuries.
Despite desperate attempts to save Mr Westmoreland’s life, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Arrest was made
The 33-year-old was arrested and charged with murder as well as serious assault, demand property with menace and two counts of possessing steroids.
Detective Inspector Gary Pettiford told the media on Saturday Mrs Westmoreland had also been injured during the alleged attack.
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She was taken to hospital and released shortly after, the Courier Mail reported.
‘It’s horrific, her lifelong partner has lost his life in (allegedly) trying to help her,’ Det Insp Pettiford said.
Findings still ongoing
According to Det Sept Pettiford, no weapons were used during the alleged attack.
Workers at neighbouring businesses were reportedly unaware of the incident until police tape stretched around the units and a crime scene was established.
Police are continuing to investigate the alleged assault, urging anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
‘We’d like to speak to anyone who might have been driving in that location between about 7.30pm and 8.30pm (Friday),’ Det Sept Pettiford said.
‘Anyone who may have seen something unusual around that time to help us with our investigation.’
