Police are currently investigating a family of four were found dead inside their northern beaches yesterday, amid reports they may have been gassed to death.
Fernando Manrique, 44, his wife Maria Claudia Lutz, 43, and the couple’s two children Martin, 10, and Eliza, 11, and their dog, were found in separate rooms of the house, in what is being reported as a suspected murder-suicide.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports there were no visible signs of injury and that police found gas bottles placed in various locations inside their home.
The mother had previously confessed to a neighbour that she and her husband were struggling raising their two disabled children, who are reported to have suffered with autism and a number of other conditions.
Sonja Perry told the Manly Daily: ‘[She] used to tell me how hard it was on her and her husband having two kids who were deaf and dumb.
‘She said it was a heavy thing on her heart and some days she found it impossible to cope. They were South American, such a lovely, friendly couple. I’m shocked to see police cars outside their house. They never caused anyone problems.’
For support and information about suicide prevention, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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