Man charged after two people died in Somerset from stab wounds
A man is due in court tomorrow after tonight being charged with two counts of murder.
Last updated 25th Nov 2021
A man has been charged with the murders of Jennifer and Stephen Chapple in Norton Fitzwarren.
Jennifer, 33, and Stephen, 36, were formally identified earlier today and post-mortem examinations concluded they both died from multiple stab wounds on Sunday.
Their two young sons, aged five and six, were found asleep upstairs.
Collin Reeves, 34, of Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, has been remanded in custody and will appear at Exeter Crown Court on Friday (26 November).
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.”