A Violent Home Invasion Leaves Elderly Couple Traumatized
A shocking incident has left an elderly couple in Torrington, New South Wales, deeply affected after a violent home invasion. Keith and Di Blessing were asleep at their home when a man allegedly broke in and attacked them with a knife. The attack has sparked widespread concern and support from the local community.
A Heartbreaking Update from the Daughter
Kathy Blessing, the daughter of the couple, shared a heartbreaking update about her parents’ condition. She stated that they will never be the same again after the traumatic event. “My dad is a true gent. He’s always been my hero, but, in the face of their horrific attack, he was so brave,” she said. Her mother also showed remarkable courage during the attack, trying to fight off the intruder. Both were injured and had to undergo emergency surgery at Gold Coast University Hospital.
Community Outcry Over Police Response
The situation has led to growing frustration among locals, especially after police refused to rule out pressing charges against Keith Blessing for shooting the alleged attacker. Residents gathered at a town hall meeting where Inspector James Parsons explained that the law of self-defence is complex and that charges could still be laid. This response has caused some to question the police’s decision-making process.
Support from the Local Community
In response to the incident, the community has come together to support the Blessings. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the couple recover and make necessary security upgrades to their home. Some residents have even expressed a desire to obtain gun licenses to feel safer in their homes. “He’s my bloody hero – to defend himself while bleeding heavily would have taken a hell of a lot of courage and strength,” said neighbor Sissy Greaves.
Details of the Incident
According to police, Keith Blessing, who is a licensed gun owner, shot Trethewey in the abdomen after calling Triple Zero for urgent help just after 12:15am. Before emergency services arrived, Trethewey allegedly attempted to re-enter the house and was shot again. It is understood that Trethewey is under police guard while in an induced coma at Armidale Hospital.
Background on the Suspect
Trethewey has faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother to Motor Neurone Disease just hours before the alleged attack. This rare, progressive, and fatal disorder destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Trethewey lived with his mother in Deepwater, 28km south-east of Torrington, after his father John died of cancer in 2024. Multiple sources within Deepwater mentioned that Trethewey suffered from mental health issues.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Investigations
Police confirmed that Trethewey was not known to the victims, but he was a regular visitor to Torrington and was often seen driving in the area in a silver hatchback. One local described how he drove from Deepwater to Torrington twice a day and touched the phone box before returning. The Blessings’ home is located on the route between Deepwater and the Torrington payphone.
