North Lakes home invasion: Police describe ‘horrific scene’ as teens charged with murder over stabbing death of Emma Lovell

Emma Lovell, 41, was fatally stabbed in the chest while fending off intruders who allegedly broke into her North Lakes home in north Brisbane on Monday. 

Her husband Lee sustained a non-life threatening stab wound to his back. 

Superintendent John Hallam confirmed on Tuesday four teens had been arrested in relation to the alleged attack, and all four had “prior contact” with police.

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“Through some very good investigation skills demonstrated by the detectives, they managed to locate four persons who were taken into custody,” he told reporters.

“I can say at this point in time, two of those people, a 17-year-old boy from Zillmere, and a 17-year-old boy from Holland Park will be charged later today with murder, attempted murder, and breaking and entering.”

A 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy are currently assisting police with their inquiries. 

Supt Hallam said police were confronted with a “horrific scene” when they attended the North Lakes home on Monday just after 11.30 pm.

He said a scuffle had broken out onto the front porch of the property after barking dogs had alerted the Lovell’s to the alleged intruders.

“They’ve disturbed the residents inside the dwelling, they were defending their house,” he said.

Hallam said the two alleged intruders had initially fled the scene but were located by the police dog squad at a nearby address.

He said there was no relationship between the victims and those in custody. 

“The investigation is ongoing, we still have a crime scene at the location and we’re still making some examinations of that area,” Hallam said. 

Supt Hallam said police were offering support to Ms Lovell’s family. 

“As you would expect they are absolutely traumatised and shattered,” he said. 

“We will continue to offer them support moving forward, not only they are shattered they have lost their mother and their wife, the whole community is shattered as well.”

“This is a terribly sad day that someones life has been taken in this way. I still struggle to understand why these types of violent crimes occur and it’s occurred again.

“We need to work together as a community to say no to this type of violence and support each other when this type of crime occurs.”

Minister for Children and Youth Justice Leanne Linard said it was “an absolute tragedy”.

“There is absolutely no place in our community for crime, whether it’s a young person or an adult the community has a right to feel safe,” she said. 

A GoFundMe page has since been setup on behalf of the Lovell family, with $13,750 raised in under 24-hours. 

Police are urging anyone with information, CCTV footage or dash cam footage, to come forward.