A FORMER soldier accused of stabbing a couple to death in their home turned up in the docks this morning.
Collin Reeves, 34, is accused of killing Stephen and Jennifer Chapple while their young child slept upstairs.
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Chapples and Reeves live in the pinnacle of Dragon Rise in the village of Somerset, Norton Fitzwarren.
It is understood there was an earlier dispute over parking prior to the tragedy.
Reeves, an Afghanistan veteran, appeared at the crown court in Exeter via prison video link today.
The defendant, who wears a gray tracksuit, has yet to plead guilty to him.
He has been detained by magistrate Peter Johnson and will next appear to plead guilty and preparatory hearing at Bristol Crown Court on December 23.
A test is expected to take place in April or May 2022.
EX COMMANDO IN COURT
Eight members of his family were seated in the public gallery this morning.
As he was led away, they were told “love you Colin” and “we’re here for you”.
A 67-year-old man – believed to be Reeves’ father – was also arrested in connection with the murders.
He has been released on bail.
Autopsies showed they both died of multiple stab wounds in terror at 9:45 p.m. Sunday.
The couple’s child is currently being cared for by relatives at a nearby home.
Detective Inspector Neil Meade, of the Major Crimes Investigation Team, said the family is being supported by specially trained officers.
TEAM OF FRIENDS
“There’s no doubt this is an extremely difficult time for them and I ask that their privacy be respected as they continue to accept what happened,” he said.
And he said the children are not hurt, are suffering very much.
“Luckily they weren’t hurt, they were devastated by what happened,” he said.
“They are being cared for and specially trained officers have been deployed to assist the victim’s family.”
Grieving friends visited the scene of the tragedy to place flowers and notes in memory of Mrs. Chapple, a gardening center employee, and her husband, a computer teacher at a high school.
One said: “Spend time with your friends. Go there to see family.
“You just never know what might happen tomorrow.”
Another wrote: “Absolutely unbelievable. Cherish your friends and family, you really don’t know when it will be too late.”
Police confirmed earlier they were called to settle the row between neighbors in the side street.
The couple’s death has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct for prior police contact.
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https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/16855247/soldier-court-charged-stabbing-parking-row/ Ex-soldier, 34, in court charged with ‘stabbing couple to death’ in ‘parking lot’
