Family member arrested in connection with double murder of 94-year-old SA couple

Key points:

• The deaths of 94-year-old couple, Brenda and Lynton Anderson were subject to a Major Crime Investigation in South Australia
• The alleged murder of Brenda is believed to have preceded the death of Lynton by nearly one year
• Police claimed that a suspect had been identified in an address on June 29

South Australian Police (SAPol) have arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged double murder case, which Major Crime Investigators have pursued following abnormal toxicology findings.

Mrs Anderson passed away at the age of 94 at Flinders Medical Centre [FMC] on March 16, 2022 and Mr Anderson, also aged 94, died at FMC on May 1, 2023.The cause of both deaths is believed to be a drug overdose deliberately administered by the 62-year-old Craigmore woman.

The alleged suspect is a relative of the couple, although SAPol have not yet disclosed the potential motive for the alleged crimes. In late June, Detective Inspector Mark McEachern told the press that investigators had ruled out an innocent or natural cause for the abnormal toxicology results. SAPol had previously inquired with the Noarlunga Hospital for visitor records at the estimated time an incident may have occurred.

“Mrs Anderson’s hospital death was identified during the coronial investigation process after toxicology results gave significant rise for concern,” Det Con McEachern explained.

“Police have no concerns about the level of care in either hospital which was exemplary.”

The defendant will be refused police bail and is likely to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today or tomorrow.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation can contact police through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.