By Alexandra Feiam and Thomas Sargeant
A man has been charged with murdering his wife just hours after they reportedly shared a Christmas lunch.
Emergency services were called to a property on Wood Duck Court in Langwarrin, in Melbourne’s southeast, about 6.30am on Thursday following reports a woman had been stabbed.
The 59-year-old woman was declared dead at the scene.
Homicide squad detective inspector Dean Thomas said the 63-year-old man had called triple-0 himself.
“They have adult children who have obviously been made aware of what’s occurred and they are very, very upset and distraught,” he said.
A 63-year-old man was arrested at the address. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling
The woman was described as a “lovely lady” by neighbours. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling
Detective Inspector Thomas said there was no reported history of domestic violence between the couple.
The Herald Sun reports that the couple hosted their children for Christmas lunch just hours before the alleged murder took place.
Police found a weapon in the home but could not confirm what was used to kill the woman.
The couple moved into the home less than six months ago, the Herald Sun reported.
Detective Inspector Thomas was adamant that “one death (due to domestic violence) is too many”.
“We need to do everything we can to try and reduce the incidence of family violence and violence against women,” he said.
Neighbours described the woman who lived on the property as a “very nice lady” who was frequently seen gardening in her front yard and walking her foster dog.
“It makes me feel shocked, and also a little bit of concern that we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors,” neighbour Martine Casagrande told The Herald Sun.
A crime scene has been established at the scene while detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
The man was set to face court on Thursday evening.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV/dashcam footage of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
