World War II veteran found Beheaded
Pastor Dale Morgan
World War II veteran found Beheaded*
January 14, 2007 06:43pm
Article from: Agence France-Presse
AUSTRALIA - A WORLD War II veteran has been found decapitated in the
backyard of the northern NSW home where he lived alone for two decades,
in a sickening and seemingly motiveless murder.
The severed head of 82-year-old Mark Hutchinson was found lying next to
his body, said an ambulance spokesman in Armidale.
Relatives made the grisly find in the yard that backs onto a bike path
and parkland when they called to see Mr Hutchinson yesterday, police said.
Homicide detectives today were searching for information on anyone who
might have visited the house since Thursday afternoon.
Police have searched the adjacent parkland for a possible murder weapon
and other clues.
"He was just a mild mannered, fine, upstanding gentleman, and I just
can't possibly imagine why anybody would do what they've done," local
RSL president Dr Kevin Smith told Seven News.
Armidale mayor, Peter Ducat, said the murder was distressing.
"I'm shocked to think that something like this could happen in Armidale.
Most people would be sickened that an 82-year-old person has been
murdered in their own home," he told Nine News.
Neighbours said Mr Hutchinson had lived alone at the house after moving
there in 1985.
Neighbour Jenny Schultz said the man was well-liked in the area.
"I just can't believe it, he was so friendly. The whole neighbourhood
thought he was wonderful," she said.
A post-mortem examination will be done at Newcastle.