A shocking scene unfolded in the normally peaceful suburb of Adelaide, Australia, on Saturday afternoon. Aleksandra Vergulis, 51, and her daughter Daniela, 22, were attempting to return home with groceries when a domestic dispute between Aleksandra and her husband resulted in murder.
Witnesses report seeing the middle-aged man Vasilis Vergulis come out of the family’s house and shoot the two women in the driveway. Quick-thinking neighbors ran to help, even as the man remained armed and present.
Police were called to the home at 1:20 p.m. to find Aleksandra dead and Daniela gravely wounded. Even with medical attention, Aleksandra succumbed to her injuries, and Daniela was hospitalized but remains in stable condition. It is uncertain what prompted the altercation, leaving the community in shock and disbelief.
Even as authorities surrounded the home, it took more than three hours for Vasilis to relinquish his weapon. He was soon taken into custody after the prolonged standoff. He is being charged with murder and attempted murder and has been denied bail ahead of his court appearance on Monday.