A pensioner who allegedly shot and killed his son during a fatal row has been identified as a doting grandfather and cancer survivor.
Peter John Smith opened fire on his 30-year-old son and father-of-two Andrew Smith at their property in Mulgrave, Melbourne’s southeast in a shocking act of family violence, police allege.
Earlier photographs of Smith show the pensioner to be a loving grandfather to his son’s two young children, worlds away from the man who was today charged with murder.
Peter John Smith (right) opened fire on his 30-year-old son and father-of-two Andrew Smith (left) at their property in Mulgrave, Melbourne’s southeast in a shocking act of family violence, police allege
Earlier photographs of Smith (left) show the pensioner to be a loving grandfather to his son’s (right) two young children, worlds away from the man who was today charged with murder
Smith faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday and has been remanded in custody to return to court in April.
A Legal Aid duty lawyer told magistrate Ross Maxted that Smith would be vulnerable in custody due to his age and appearance.
She also said the 69-year-old had also undergone surgery for bladder cancer in the past three months.
Police arrived at the man’s property on Vincent Street, in Mulgrave, at 10pm on Monday after reports of gunfire.
Police were called to the Mulgrave home where they found the 30-year-old father (pictured) dead at the scene
Police arrived at the man’s property on Vincent Street, in Mulgrave, at 10pm on Monday after reports of gunfire (Andrew pictured)
Neighbours of the family were left reeling after the shooting on the quiet Melbourne street (pictured)
The father-of-two was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbour Maureen Gleeson told Seven News the quiet suburban street is horrified by the shooting, while others said the family ‘mostly’ kept to themselves.
‘Someone’s lost a child and the older man’s life is ruined,’ Ms Gleeson told reporters.
‘The whole family’s life is ruined and that’s tragic. I feel very sad for that family, it’s Christmas time.’
Neighbour Maureen Gleeson told Seven News the quiet suburban street (pictured) is horrified by the shooting, while others said the family ‘mostly’ kept to themselves
‘The whole family’s life is ruined and that’s tragic. I feel very sad for that family, it’s Christmas time’
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