An elderly man and woman have died in an Adelaide retirement village in what police believe was a murder-suicide.
Barbara and Dennis Willshire were found dead in their unit after nursing staff raised the alarm following a visit as part of their morning rounds.
Police and paramedics were called to the unit on Barnes Road in Glynde just after 8am on Wednesday.
Barbara and Dennis Willshire were found dead in their unit after nursing staff raised the alarm following a visit as part of their morning rounds. (Supplied)
The manner of his death has not been released, but what police found in the drive prompted them to call in major crime detectives.
“There is currently an ongoing police investigation into the deaths of both individuals,” SA Police Superintendent Matt Nairn said.
The husband and wife were 92 years old and had lived in their unit for about seven years.
Major crime detectives are investigating the deaths of two people at a group of retirement units in Glynde. (new)
The unit is part of a larger complex of retirement and geriatric homes.
Barbara and Dennis were known to be social within a community where everyone knows each other.
“Living in a yard like this you get to know people,” said one neighbor.
“I’m so sorry for everyone, it’s one of those things you don’t deal with every day,” another neighbor said.
None of the residents were more shocked and saddened than the couple’s best friends of 30 years, who had moved next door to be closer to them.
Local police at the scene in Glynde. (new)
“We did a lot of things together as adults,” the couple said.
“It’s a bit of a shock to us … it’s hard to accept.”
The police are preparing a report for the coroner.
If you or someone you know needs immediate or mental health-related support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.