Double murder investigation launched into elderly couple who died a year apart
<p>Detectives are treating the deaths of Brenda and Lynton Anderson, both aged 94, as a double murder, with the main suspect believed to be someone close to the victims. The couple, who were great-grandparents, passed away a year apart under suspicious circumstances.</p>
<p>Speaking at a press conference, Detective Inspector Mark McEachern revealed that both deaths were deliberate acts carried out by the same person, who had a close relationship with the Andersons.</p>
<p>"Both were deliberately murdered by the same person who was known and close to both of them," Detective Inspector Mark McEachern told reporters.</p>
<p>The suspicions arose due to similarities and irregularities found in the toxicology reports of the deceased couple. It was discovered that the presence of certain medications in their systems was unexplained and raised concerns.</p>
<p>"The medication that was in there should not have been there, there was no reason for the medication to have been in their system and that's raised concerns in respect of both deaths," McEachern said.</p>
<p>Brenda Anderson's demise initially occurred while she was receiving medical treatment at Noarlunga Hospital in March of the previous year. As her condition worsened, she was transferred to Flinders Medical Centre, where she eventually passed away.</p>
<p>During the coronial investigation process, her hospital death came under scrutiny when significant abnormalities were found in the toxicology results. After ruling out any innocent explanation for these irregularities, the investigation turned its focus to the possibility of foul play by a third party known to Mrs. Anderson. The police have expressed confidence in the level of care provided by both hospitals.</p>
<p>"Mrs Anderson's hospital death was identified during the coronial investigation process after toxicology results gave significant rise for concern.</p>
<p>"When an innocent explanation for toxicology abnormalities was eliminated, the possibility Mrs Anderson's death being a deliberate act by another party became the primary subject of the investigation.</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<p>"Police have no concerns about the level of care in either hospital, which was exemplary," <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">McEachern</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> said.</span></p>
<p>In the case of Lynton Anderson, he was discovered unconscious at his residence in Hackham by a caregiver on April 30. He was immediately transported to Flinders Medical Centre by SA Ambulance but succumbed to his condition the following day.</p>
<p>Detectives also became suspicious of the toxicology results for Lynton after analysing Brenda's case. However, they have ruled out the involvement of external carers in his death. The police have identified a suspect but declined to provide further details at this stage of the investigation.</p>
<p>Authorities are now urging anyone who had contact with the Anderson couple and possesses information related to their deaths and the events leading up to them to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who may have knowledge of any prescribed or non-prescribed medications used by the couple or discussed by them.</p>
<p>The community has been left shocked and saddened by the tragic deaths of Brenda and Lynton Anderson. As the investigation into these distressing circumstances unfolds, the hope is that justice will be served and the truth behind these untimely losses will be revealed.</p>
<p><em>Images: SA Police</em></p>
