Collin Reeves: Neighbour accused of murdering couple at their home appears in court
A man charged with the murders of a couple of who were stabbed to death at their home has appeared in court for the first time.
Collin Reeves, of Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning in connection with the deaths of Jennifer and Stephen Chapple.
The husband and wife were killed as their children slept upstairs at their home in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, at around 9.45pm on Sunday.
Watch: Judge rejects plea deal for man accused of causing a deadly crash
The couple, who have two primary school aged sons, were later pronounced dead at the scene.
Reeves, 34, was charged with their murders on Tuesday evening.
He appeared in court wearing a grey prison tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name and address
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, November 26, at Exeter Crown Court.”
Nine members of Reeves’ family were present in court for the hearing.
One called out “love you bro” and another told him to “stay strong” as he was lead from the dock.
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.
