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75-year-old husband shoots invader to defend wife | 9 News Australia
Posted
June 4, 2026
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June 4, 2026
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6:05Now PlayingA quiet rural community on the New South Wales and Queensland border has been left reeling following a terrifying, unprovoked home invasion that has left three people in hospital. An elderly Australian couple are currently fighting for their lives after a complete stranger allegedly broke into their remote property and subjected them to a brutal, targeted stabbing assault.
The incident unfolded just after midnight in the tiny township of Torrington, located southwest of Tenterfield. According to Queensland reporter Andrea Crothers, 74-year-old Joshua Dylan Trethewey allegedly forced his way into the home of Keith Blessing and Di Blessing. Without warning, the intruder repeatedly stabbed the elderly pair, inflicting severe wounds to the chest and abdomen before briefly fleeing the scene.
Despite his catastrophic injuries, 75-year-old Keith Blessing managed to locate his licensed firearm. When the attacker unexpectedly returned to the house, Keith acted in self-defence, shooting the intruder in the stomach and immediately contacting emergency services via triple-zero. NSW Police Superintendent Chris McKinnon praised the pensioner's remarkable composure, describing his actions as incredibly impressive under life-threatening pressure.
Keith and Di Blessing both remain in critical but stable conditions at the Gold Coast University Hospital, with Keith placed in a medically induced coma following emergency surgery. Their daughter, Kathy Blessing, has publicly expressed profound pride in her father’s bravery.
Former NSW Police Officer Peter Moroney joined the broadcast to break down the legal complexities of Australia's strict twostep selfdefence laws. While police indicate Keith is unlikely to face charges, the 34yearold suspect remains under guard at Armidale Hospital, facing two counts of wounding with intent to murder. Investigators are looking into mental health or drug factors to determine a motive. Subscribe to stay updated on this developing case. | *Subscribe and 🔔
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