Couple found dead with their dog dead in Cardiff in suspected ‘mercy killing’ had ‘licensed shotgun to deal with foxes and vermin on their allotment’

The discovery of two bodies at a semi-detached house on a quiet Cardiff street is being treated by police as a murder and suicide investigation, according to neighbours.

South Wales Police were called to the property in the Tremorfa district of Cardiff on Saturday after gunfire was heard.

Upon arrival at the property, authorities found the bodies of a married couple who have been named locally as Steve Jefferies and his wife Christine. The couple's pet cocker spaniel was also found dead at the scene.

A neighbour, who knew the couple well, said; ‘The police aren't looking for anyone else and I've been told it's a murder suicide, a mercy killing.'

The couple, who are both in their 70's, had two grown up children and were well known within the local community.

‘Everyone is in shock. They were a lovely couple, completely devoted to each other.

‘What's upset people as much as anything else is that their cocker spaniel was killed as well,' the neighbour added. 

As of Sunday evening, the couple's £200,000 semi was cordoned off by police with Mr. Jeffries blue van still parked in the drive.

Mr. Jeffries, a retired a welder, was also involved in grass roots rugby in the Cardiff area, having served as both a referee and assessor with the Welsh Rugby Union.

The elderly couple are also said to have had an allotment garden nearby where they grew fresh produce.

Neighbours believe that due to their allotment, Mr. Jeffries held a licensed shotgun to help deal with foxes and vermin. 

Another local resident, who didn't want to be named, said: ‘They were a nice, quiet couple who always waved when they drove past me in their van.

‘Jaffa got injured playing rugby when he was about 20 and took up refereeing and then became an official assessor looking at the performance of other refs.

‘He was very well thought of in the game and only retired about five years ago. He worked for the council as a welder repairing bus shelters across.

‘My son was in the street when the emergency services arrived on Saturday afternoon, he said there were police everywhere but they got stood down when they realised the situation.'

Speaking to the current state of enquiries, a South Wales Police spokesperson said; ‘An investigation has been launched following the sudden death of two people at a property in Trowbridge, Cardiff.

‘Emergency services were called to the house in Morfa Crescent, at around 2.50pm on Saturday.

‘The local community is thanked for its patience and understanding while cordons are in place.'