NSW Police are not searching for a suspect after finding a family of four dead in the Sydney suburb of Davidson earlier today, adding to suspicions the incident may be the result of a tragic murder-suicide.
Regarding a possible culprit for the killing of Fernando Manrique, his wife Maria Claudia Lutz Pena, and their young children Elisa and Martin, Northern Beaches Police Superintendent Dave Darcy said “I think it is too early to be coming to conclusions,” but “police have views but at this stage” and “I’d like to keep that option open.”
More information regarding the family has also emerged since today’s discovery. Neighbour Sonia Perry described the Colombian family as “just a normal family,” adding that “the kids would play in the front yard” on a play area Manrique built.
“The dad more or less built the house himself. They were well looked after.”
Perry said they were “such a lovely, friendly couple. I’m shocked to see police cars outside their house. They never caused anyone problems.”
She also expanded on previous reports the children suffered significant disabilities and had autism, saying Martin and Elisa were deaf-mute.
Supt. Darcy added Pena “in particular is held in very high regard in the community.
“Since coming to Australia they’ve made a significant contribution to how we live, they’ve done a fantastic job.”
Homicide and forensic investigation units are on the scene. We’ll update this story as it develops.
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