Ex-Soldier Arrested Following Fatal Stabbing Of Couple Outside Home Over Parking Dispute

A dispute over parking led to the death of a husband and wife in Somerset village of Norton Fitzwarren, United Kingdom. 36-year-old Stephen Chapple and 33-year-old Jenny Chapple died in their home after being fatally stabbed by their neighbor.

The couple’s children were sleeping inside the home when the incident took place. Police arrested the couple’s neighbor who reportedly had disputes with the husband-and-wife multiple times over parking.

The couple apparently got into a dispute with the accused on Sunday, Nov. 21. They were stabbed several times before they could return to the safety of their home. Emergency services were called to the private Dragon Rise estate. The couple was still arriving when police and paramedics arrived at their home.

The emergency workers tried to save the lives of the victims but they succumbed to their injuries. Both Jenny and Stephen were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies were sent for post mortem examination. The examination conducted on the wife showed that she had suffered multiple stab wounds. Reports of the husband’s post mortem are being awaited, BBC reported.

Police confirmed that they found the couple’s two children aged five and six. They were shaken but unharmed. They are in the custody of their mother’s sister following the incident.

The Daily Mail reported that the police initially arrested two male suspects aged 67 and 34. The older unnamed suspect was released but remains under investigation. The younger suspect remains in custody and is being investigated for the murder of the couple. He has been identified as Colin Reeves, a former commando Royal Engineer with the British army.

Avon and Somerset's police were reportedly aware of the conflict between the couple and Colin. The neighbors often got into bitter spats over each other’s cars blocking the parking space. Police had to intervene on several occasions.

Black and white doorbell camera footage also captured hostile interactions between Jenny and Colin. The woman had reportedly shared a video where the man was captured verbally abusing her outside her home.

Neighbors confirmed that the area had a parking issue that all the residents faced. This had led to several conflicts between the residents. Neighbors also confirmed that the IT teacher and his garden center worker wife had an ongoing conflict with the father of two.

Investigation into the incident continues.