In the quiet town of Childers, an alleged violent incident unfolded yesterday, resulting in the death of an elderly man who was reportedly attacked with a metal pole.
Richard Zoltan Babos, the suspect in this tragic event, was subdued by bystanders around 3pm. He was allegedly in the midst of attempting to strangle Andrew Kearney using a garden hose.
The victim, Elliott, was assaulted just a short distance from the home he shared with his wife, Heidi, to whom he had been married for 61 years.
Although too distraught to appear on camera, Heidi shared with 9News that the couple had been enjoying their retirement in Childers.
Denise Kretschmann, a friend of Elliott’s, expressed the profound impact of the incident, calling it “just absolutely devastating for everybody.”
“He was a dearly loved, appreciated, and genuine man,” Kretschmann stated.
“Loved by many and will be sadly missed by all.”
The small town was today overwhelmed by three separate crime scenes as detectives worked to gather evidence and establish a timeline around the events that unfolded.
None of the victims are believed to be known to the man.
Babos was charged with one count each of murder, attempt to murder, acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable, dangerous operation of a vehicle and evasion.
He was remanded in custody.
