Two teenage girls were charged in the murder of a British woman in Australia. Her best friend claimed she was killed in a heroic act to protect her children.
The teenagers were charged with Emma Lovell’s murder, 41, as well as the attempted murder of Lee Lovell (43).
They were originally from Ipswich and attacked their North Lakes home on Boxing Day. It is 30 miles north of Brisbane.
Superintendent John Hallam stated that the couple were “disturbed in the dwelling and were defending themselves” at 11.30pm when the teens confronted them.
According to police, the altercation moved onto the front yard where Mrs Lovell was allegedly fatally attacked in the chest.
Mr Lovell was treated and released from hospital with a non-life-threatening stab wound. He later stated that his family was “devastated.”
“She was such an amazing person. He said, “We’re all devastated by her loss.”
“It’s senseless. It’s absurd.
Two daughters, the Lovells, are sharing photos of their family at the beach on Christmas Day.
According to reports, they had been living in Australia for over 10 years.
Sky News spoke with Christina Lofthouse, who said she was a recent visitor to Australia and had enjoyed a “beautiful” life.
She said, “It’s heartbreaking that my best friend died because someone decided they needed what was inside their house.”
“Someone decided that they were entitled to enter their home …”
She spoke out about Mr Lovell and said that he would be lost without Emma. Emma was his rock, his whole world. They had been together since she was 19.
She stated that the couple’s daughters are “incredibly strong” and she had spoken to them recently via video call.
Sky News: “I just need wrap them in my arms, because I know Emma would love that,” she said.
“Emma would have them protected. That’s what she died doing. She died for them. She was able to get them out of their house and keep them from getting near her.
Ms Lofthouse stated that Emma Lovell was her best friend since she was 11.
Police claim that the teens ran away from the stabbings and were discovered by the dog squad along with two other youths just before 4am Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the Brisbane Children’s Court charged the two 17-year old boys with one each of murder, attempted killing and entering a dwelling while intent to commit criminal acts.
According to ABC News in Australia, they were denied bail and will appear in court again on the 16th of January.
Police continue to help with investigations by a 17-year old boy and a 16 year-old boy.
According to police, all four minors had been previously known to officers.
Cheryl Scanlon, Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner, said that the circumstances leading to the teens’ visit to North Lakes were still being investigated by police.
Journalists in Australia were told by her: “We need information about why those young people were on that street at that hour on that night. That’s under investigation. They’re not matters on which I’m going comment.”
A GoFundMe fundraising campaign was set up to help the Lovell family raise just over PS26,000 by Wednesday morning UK time.
