British mother killed defending Australia home was ‘glue to our family’, says husband
Two 17-year-old boys charged with the murder of Emma Lovell, originally from Ipswich in Suffolk, at her home in Australia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A British mother-of-two killed while defending her home in Australia has been remembered by her husband as the “glue” of their family.
Two 17-year-old boys will face court charged with the murder of Emma Lovell, 41, and the attempted murder of her husband Lee Lovell, 43.
The couple, who reportedly had been in Australia for more than 10 years but were originally from Ipswich, Suffolk, were allegedly attacked on Boxing Day at their home in North Lakes, 30 miles north of Queensland’s capital Brisbane.
It's senseless. I don't know what people do it for
Superintendent John Hallam, from Moreton Police, told reporters Mr and Mrs Lovell were “disturbed inside the dwelling and were defending their house” at 11.30pm on Monday when they confronted the teenagers.
Police said in a statement that the altercation moved out to the front yard, where Mrs Lovell was allegedly fatally stabbed in the chest.
Returning home from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital after treatment for a non-life threatening stab wound, a visibly upset Mr Lovell said his family was “devastated”.
“Emma was the glue to our family,” the 43-year-old told reporters.
“She was such a beautiful person. We’re all just devastated from her loss.
“It’s senseless. I don’t know what people do it for.”
The Lovells are parents to two daughters, with Mr Lovell previously sharing photographs on social media of them together at a nearby Sunshine Coast beach on Christmas Day.
Family friend Skyle Fleming, 14, described Mrs Lovell as “amazing”.
“She was always a good mum, she was always laughing, always smiling – she was always there to support her daughters throughout everything,” Skyle told 7News.
Police allege the teenage boys had run off after the stabbings and were found, with the assistance of the dog squad, with two other youths nearby just before 4am on Tuesday.
The two 17-year-old boys, one from Brisbane’s Holland Park and the other from the city’s Zillmere, will face Brisbane Childrens Court on Wednesday charged with one count each of murder, attempted murder and enter dwelling with intent in company.
Both have been denied bail, while a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy continue to assist police with inquiries.
A fundraiser set up for the Lovell family had raised nearly £24,000 pounds by 2am on Wednesday.