Wife, 72, & husband, 74, found ‘shot dead’ at home alongside dog May by devastated daughter – as rifle found at scene
A TRAGIC married couple were found ‘shot dead’ at home alongside their pet dog by their distraught daughter – with a rifle recovered at the scene.
Former rugby referee Steve Jefferies, 74, and wife Christine, 72, were discovered at their semi-detached home in Cardiff after neighbours grew concerned about not seeing them.
ANDREW LLOYDPolice officers at the scene in Morfa Crescent, Cardiff[/caption]
ANDREW LLOYDFlowers left near the house[/caption]
AthenaCops said the incident involved ‘sudden deaths’[/caption]
AthenaA large police police presence remains today[/caption]
They rang the couple’s daughter who arrived on Saturday to find both parents and their pet cocker spaniel, called May, dead from “serious wounds”.
Neighbours told the Sun, she had claimed her parents were shot dead.
Police said a rifle was also recovered from the property, adding they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.
Cops were called who cordoned off the home in the suburb of Trowbridge and launched an investigation into their “sudden deaths”.
The pairs’ next door neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “They were just wonderful people.
“He was a referee years ago. I had known them for 38 years. They were good neighbours and really good friends.
“We got on really well. They were really good when my wife died 18 months ago.
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“He was neighbourhood watch, and used to litter pick in the street
“We knew something was wrong because we all look out for each other in this little block here.
“We noticed something was strange that the curtains hadn’t been opened and that was it.
“We managed to get hold of their daughter and she came and went in.”
Today police tape surrounds the £200,000 property, while uniformed officers stood in position outside.
Three bouquets of flowers with notes of condolence had been laid outside the driveway to the house where retired welder Mr Jefferies’ blue Renault van remained.
Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees, from South Wales Police, said: “We understand this incident has shocked and saddened the local community.
“Extensive enquiries are being conducted to establish the circumstances leading up to the incident.
“We are awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations which will confirm the cause of death. Currently, we are not actively seeking anyone else in connections with their deaths.”
Previously, a force spokesperson said: “An investigation has been launched following the sudden death of two people at a property in Trowbridge, Cardiff.
“Emergency services were called to the house in Morfa Crescent, at around 2.50pm on Saturday.
“The local community is thanked for its patience and understanding while cordons are in place.”
The couple, both aged about 70, had two grown-up children,a son and a daughter, according to neighbours.
Mr Jefferies was a retired council worker and a former referee and assessor with the Welsh Rugby Union.
The couple had an allotment nearby where they grew vegetables and Mrs Jefferies carried on helping her husband with the weeding despite her failing health.
Another local resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “They were a nice, quiet couple who always waved when they drove past me in their van.
“Jaffa got injured playing rugby when he was about 20 and took up refereeing and then became an official assessor looking at the performance of other refs.
“He was very well thought of in the game and only retired about five years ago. He worked for the council as a welder repairing bus shelters across
“My son was in the street when the emergency services arrived on Saturday afternoon, he said there were police everywhere but they got stood down when they realised the situation.”
The pair had two dogs they would walk two or three times a day, but one had died recently.
AthenaForensics officers collect evidence[/caption]
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