Jun 29, 2023

Elderly couple dies one year apart, suspected to share the same murderer

Untitled design (18)
Detective Inspector Mark McEachern said police are treating the deaths of Brenda and Lynton Anderson as murder. [Source: ABC New/ Tony Hill]

South Australia Police believe the same person murdered an elderly couple who died a year apart. 

The deaths of Brenda and Lynton Anderson, both 94, have been declared a Major Crime Investigation by police after each of their toxicology results showed similar abnormalities. Brenda died on March 16, 2022, and her husband Lynton died only last month on May 1.

Detective Inspector Mark McEachern said the results provided the suspicion both were murdered by the same person.

“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.”

Brenda was being treated for medical issues at Noarlunga Hospital in March last year when her condition deteriorated and was transferred to Flinders Medical Centre where she died.

“Mrs Anderson’s hospital death was identified during the coronial investigation process after toxicology results gave significant rise for concern,” Det Con McEachern explained.

“Police have no concerns about the level of care in either hospital which was exemplary.”

Lynton was found to be unconscious at his Hackham home by a carer on April 30. He was taken to the Flinders Medical Centre and died the following day.

Det Con McEachern said they had a potential suspect but remained tight-lipped about them.

Police urge anyone with any information about the couple’s deaths and the circumstances that led to them to come forward – particularly those who have any knowledge of prescribed or non-prescribed medications either of the victims was using.

You can contact Crime Stoppers via their website or on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

New health funding deal criticised for failing older Australians stuck in hospital

A $219.6 billion health funding deal promises certainty for hospitals, but aged care leaders say it leaves a critical gap. Thousands of older Australians remain stuck in hospital, with no new funding to support timely discharge or appropriate care. Read More

Government quietly extends Support at Home claims deadline amid rollout chaos

Providers now have 90 days to claim for the first quarter of Support at Home. The government calls it a transitional fix. Critics say it exposes deeper flaws in the reform. Read More

ABC investigators targeting the aged care reforms – and they want to hear from you

A new ABC investigation is putting aged care reforms under the microscope. Early signs suggest higher costs and reduced access to care for some Australians and the ABC wants people like you to share their stories with investigators. Read More
Advertisement