Suspect in double murder of 94-year-old couple identified by SA Police

The deaths of 94-year-old couple, Brenda and Lynton Anderson, are now being treated as suspicious and connected, in a double murder Major Crime Investigation case.

The Hackham couple are believed to be victims of poisoning, following abnormalities in toxicology reports after each death — Brenda pronounced dead on March 12, 2022 and Lynton on May 1, 2023.

“It is believed Mrs Anderson was killed by a person known to her and in close enough relationship to have been visiting her while she was in hospital,” he said.

“When an innocent explanation for toxicology abnormalities was eliminated, the possibility [of] Mrs Anderson’s death being a deliberate act by another party became the primary subject of the investigation.”

“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.”

During a press conference, Detective McEachern said the death of Mrs Anderson was believed to be unrelated to her treatment at Noarlunga Hospital and the sudden deterioration of her wellbeing was due to an external party. The South Australian Police had inquired with the hospital for visitor records at the estimated time an incident may have occurred. 

Lynton was found to be unconscious at his Hackham home by a carer on April 30. He was taken to the Flinders Medical Centre and died the following day.

Police urge anyone with any information about the couple’s deaths and the circumstances that led to them to come forward – particularly those who have any knowledge of prescribed or non-prescribed medications either of the victims was using.

You can contact Crime Stoppers via the website or by phone at 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.