Two teenagers have been charged with murder after a mother-of-two was killed in a Boxing Day home invasion north of Brisbane.
During the altercation at their North Lakes home, 41-year-old Emma Lovell was fatally stabbed in her front yard, while her husband Lee Lovell sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The couple's two daughters were present during the incident and were heard screaming for help, one yelling "someone help my mum, help my mum".
Four people, including two 17-year-old boys, were taken into custody.
The 17-year-olds have been charged with one count each of murder, attempted murder, and entering a dwelling with intent while in company.
The other two, a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, are assisting police with their inquiries.
Lee Lovell returned to the scene for the first time on Tuesday afternoon, telling media the family is "devastated" at the "senseless" killing.
"Emma was the glue in our family, she was funny, smart, so caring. She was such a beautiful person," he said.
The couple moved to Australia from the UK 11 years ago.
According to Superintendent John Hallam, there appeared to be no connection between the alleged offenders and the homeowners, but police had "prior contact" with all four teens.
"The family is absolutely traumatised and shattered," he said. "They've lost their mother and wife, the whole community is in mourning as well.
He told reporters a confrontation occurred inside the Lovells' home at about 11.30pm after the boys allegedly entered. The couple were awoken by their dogs barking and attempted to defend their house.
The investigation is ongoing, including the identification of the alleged murder weapon.
'Never seen something like this'
Nearby residents are in shock at the violent incident in their normally quiet neighbourhood.
An anonymous neighbour told NCA NewsWire he heard yelling and fighting, leading him to initially believe it was a drunken altercation.
However, upon noticing police cars had arrived in the area, he quickly realised the situation was more serious.
"I've lived here for three years; I've never seen something like this," he said.
"They never had any loud parties, no noise issues."
Another neighbour said they had met the Lovells a few times.
"They seem like very nice people, a very nice family."
The North Lakes Community has started a GoFundMe page for the family.
"Emma leaves behind her husband Lee and two daughters, who are now faced with the unimaginable loss of their beloved wife and mother," the fundraising page said.
"In this difficult time, as a community let's help support Lee and the girls as they navigate through this heartbreaking tragedy."
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