Man, 34, in court charged in connection with murders of couple killed while children slept upstairs

A 34-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murders of a couple in their own home as their children slept upstairs.

Stephen and Jennifer Chapple, both in their 30s, were found by emergency services with serious injuries at their home in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, at around 9.45pm on Sunday.

The couple, who have sons, were later pronounced dead at the scene. Post mortem examinations found the couple both died of stab wounds.

Collin Reeves, also of Dragon Rise, was charged with their murders.

He appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Court and spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Reeves will appear in court again on Friday

Reeves was remanded into custody ahead of his first appearance at Exeter Crown Court on Friday.

Magistrate Stephen Howells told him: “Due to the nature of these offences this court has no power to deal with anything to do with it, and we have no power to deal with any bail matters.

“Therefore you will be remanded into custody to appear tomorrow, 26 November, at Exeter Crown Court.”

A second man, aged 67, was also arrested on suspicion of the two murders on Sunday evening, and was released under investigation on Tuesday.

He remains under investigation, Avon and Somerset Police said.

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