The rumour a win on the pokies could have provided a motive for the killers of a Feilding couple has not been substantiated, police say.
Edward
Henry James Ferguson, 73, known to his mates as Father Ted and as a
gentle giant of a man, along with his long time
companion Margaret Teresa Waldin, 76, were enjoying their
golden years together.
But the discovery of their bodies on Sunday morning has
shocked the local community.
On Friday night Ted had his last jug at the Manchester Tavern and headed home, while Margaret had a last flutter on the pokies and followed, walking the short distance home and hour or so later.
That was the last time friends saw them. Police say they were murdered sometime between Friday evening and Sunday morning when their bodies were discovered.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan say police have heard the rumour that the couple had a windfall, but haven't been able to confirm it yet.
Friends can't believe they'll never share another drink with their mates. "Father Ted was always just a father to everybody, the kindest soul you could ever come across."
"Margaret was like a second mother to me, Margaret was like a ray of golden sunshine - a real angel you could say," friend Lorraine "Dee Dee" Erickson told Close Up.
Dee Dee had known Margaret for 17 years. She says she loved a little gamble on the pokies and a few quiet drinks with friends.
"Ted would probably say to Margaret 'don't you go spending your last $6 on the pokies' and she would turn around and say to him, 'don't you go and spend you last $6 on your jug.' They were the best of loving friends."
Rosemary Blake is Ted's step-daughter and Margaret is her aunty. She says she loved the pair very much and it is going to be hard now the pair are not around.
"It is shocking. It's one thing I didn't expect to hear about with two in the family in a row," Blake says.
Friends are clinging to their memories and hope their killer is found soon.
About 30 police officers are investigating the double killing with another six joining the team on Tuesday.
Senior Detective Craig Sheridan says they have had an excellent response from the people of Fielding, with the number coming forward with information almost overwhelming.
He says a team of fingerprint technicians has joined the investigation and a further six staff from the Central District will be added on Tuesday.
A funeral for Ted and Margaret will be held later in the week.
