Neighbour’s Parking Spat Ends in Double Murder Tragedy
Collin Reeves has been found guilty of murdering his neighbours Jennifer and Stephen Chapple in Norton Fitzwarren last November. The 35-year-old admitted manslaughter but denied murder, claiming diminished responsibility. The jury saw through his defence and ruled his actions were intentional.
Gruesome Attack with Army Dagger
Reeves’ deadly feud with the couple reportedly began over parking disputes outside their homes. Court heard he cursed at Jennifer in doorbell footage filmed just 10 days before the killings. Weeks earlier, Reeves had been caught staring intimidatorily at Jennifer at her workplace.
Following a row over a trial separation with his wife, Reeves climbed over the back fence and stormed into the Chapples’ home. Armed with an Army commemorative dagger, he brutally stabbed Jennifer and Stephen multiple times in their living room. Their children were asleep upstairs during the horrifying attack.
Justice for Jennifer and Stephen
Reeves then called police himself to confess. He was arrested shortly after and charged with two counts of murder three days later.
“No verdict will bring back our beautiful Jennifer and Stephen,” said a family statement outside court. “The love and support of our friends and family has gotten us through the last seven months.”
“We now ask to grieve in our own way and focus on the boys, helping them live the lives their parents would have wanted.”
Detective Inspector Speaks Out
Detective Inspector Neil Meade of Avon and Somerset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team condemned Reeves’ actions as “incomprehensible” and a life-shattering loss for the Chapple family.
“He robbed two young boys of their parents for reasons only Reeves knows. The families have shown incredible strength while enduring this traumatic ordeal.”
“Thanks to specialist family liaison officers, we hope this verdict brings some closure.”
Reeves faces sentencing on June 21, where his minimum prison term before parole will be revealed.
