A home intruder has been shot after allegedly stabbing an elderly couple in their home in northern New South Wales. Keith Blessing, 75, and his wife Dianne Blessing, 72, were asleep at their residence in Torrington, approximately 65 kilometres southwest of Tenterfield, when 34-year-old Joshua Dylan Trethewey allegedly broke in around 12:15 am on Thursday.
According to police, Trethewey allegedly stabbed Dianne in the chest, causing her to collapse, and Keith in the stomach before retreating onto the home’s veranda. After Keith called triple-0, Trethewey allegedly attempted to re-enter the house before police arrived. He was then shot in the stomach by Keith, a licensed firearm holder.
The couple were flown to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical but stable condition. The alleged intruder was also treated for a gunshot wound and taken to Armidale Hospital. He has been charged with two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder and was scheduled to appear before Bail Division Court on Thursday. Initial investigations suggest he was not known to the older couple.
Detective Superintendent Chris McKinnon described Keith’s actions as “quite impressive” given the severity of his injuries. “He certainly did his best, obviously under very difficult circumstances, to defend himself and his partner,” McKinnon said.
The Blessings are retirees with two daughters and are well known in the small community of Torrington, which had fewer than 100 residents at the 2021 census. The incident has left locals shocked. One resident told 7NEWS that Dianne was known for leaving fruit at the front gate for passing motorists and neighbours. The couple have been described by locals as “lovely”, “kind” and “harmless”.
McKinnon said the incident was “extremely rare” in a rural community like Torrington but urged residents to ensure their homes were secure.
