Ex army commando, 34, charged with murders of husband and wife over car park dispute

An ex-army commando has been charged with the murders of a married couple who were allegedly stabbed to death after a long-running parking row in Somerset, UK

Stephen Chapple, 36, an IT teacher and his wife Jennifer, 33, were found with serious injuries at their £250,000 home in Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton on Sunday night, November 21 and died at the scene while their two sons slept upstairs.

The incident is allegedly linked to a long running dispute over parking, as neighbours do leave their cars outside each other’s cars, causing them to sometimes block the cars of other neighbours.

Avon and Somerset Police have now confirmed that Collin Reeves, 34, has been charged with the murders and will appear at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 25.

Avon and Somerset Police said post-mortem examinations found both Ms Chapple, 33, and her 36-year-old husband died from multiple stab wounds. 

Detective Inspector Neil Meade, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: ‘Specialist officers are providing support to Jennifer and Stephen’s families and our thoughts remain with them this evening.

‘We’ve been keeping them fully updated on the progress of our investigation and they’re aware of this latest development.

‘It is undoubtedly an extremely difficult time for them and I’d ask their privacy is respected as they continue to come to terms with what has happened.’

He added: ‘I’d like to remind both the media and the public that criminal proceedings are now active and Collin Reeves has a right to a fair trial.

‘It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’

Detectives confirmed at a press conference yesterday that the couple’s two children, five and six, were in their upstairs bedrooms while the attack took place. 

They were found ‘distressed’ but unhurt and are now being looked after by Jenny’s sister at a home nearby, neighbours said.