A 19-year-old man has faced court after being charged with murder after an 81-year-old man allegedly stabbed to death inside his home in Perth’s north yesterday.
Colin Norton and his 75-year-old wife Maggie were at their home on Mattison Way, in Greenwood, where they had lived for a decade, when they were allegedly attacked.
Police allege Pasifique Zawadi Niyonyishi seriously assaulted the pair, before leaving the scene.
Mr Norton died from critical head and other injuries, while his wife was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital where she remained in a stable condition tonight.
It’s understood the family dog was also injured as it attempted to intervene. It was taken to an emergency vet and is expected to make a full recovery.
Niyonyishi was arrested in Kingsley and has been charged with murder and attempt to unlawfully kill.
The 19-year-old appeared in Joondalup Magistrates court this morning.
Representing himself, the teenager acknowledged the charges against him, but didn’t apply for bail.
Police believe the man is known to another male who lives at the same home.
Today, neighbours spoke of their shock at the situation.
“We’ve all lost people, but to lose your life partner in such a way – it’s all shades of wrong,” James said.
“They’re such a nice couple and they do so many things for us.”
Niyonyishi will be back in court next month.
