Somerset double murder probe: Neighbour in court accused of stabbing couple to death

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a young married couple at their home in Somerset.

Stephen and Jennifer Chapple were stabbed to death at their home in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, as their children slept upstairs on Sunday (November 20).

The couple - both in their 30s - were found by emergency services with serious injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Post-mortem examinations concluded they both died from multiple stab wounds.

The couple's neighbour - Collin Reeves - has today (November 25) appeared at Taunton Magistrates Court after being charged with both of their murders.

The 34-year-old, of Dragon Rise, appeared wearing a grey prison tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name and address.

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 led from the dock.

Reeves was remanded into custody ahead of his first appearance at Exeter Crown Court on Friday (November 26).

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.”

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.