South Australia Police has declared the deaths of Brenda and Lynton Anderson (both 94) a Major Crime Investigation. Brenda died on 16 March 2022 and her husband Lynton died 1 May 2023.
Detective Inspector Mark McEachern said the similarities and abnormalities in the toxicology results for both Mr and Mrs Anderson has provided the suspicion both were murdered by the same person.
Brenda Anderson was being treated for medical issues at Noarlunga Hospital on 12 March 2022. Her condition deteriorated and she was transferred to Flinders Medical Centre where she died.
“Mrs Anderson’s hospital death was identified during the coronial investigation process after toxicology results gave significant rise for concern,” Detective Inspector McEachern said.
“When an innocent explanation for toxicology abnormalities was eliminated, the possibility Mrs Anderson’s death being a deliberate act by another party became the primary subject of the investigation.
“It is believed Mrs Anderson was killed by a person known to her and in close enough relationship to have been visiting her while she was in hospital.
“Police have no concerns about the level of care in either hospital which was exemplary,”
Lynton Anderson was found by a carer to be unconscious at his home address at Hackham on 30 April 2023. He was conveyed by SA Ambulance to the Flinders Medical Centre in and died the following day.
Suspicions regarding the toxicology results for Mr Anderson also raised concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
“Police have eliminated external carers involved with Mr Anderson’s care as being involved in his death. We have identified a suspect and won’t elaborate further.”
Police are appealing to anyone that may have had contact with Mr and Mrs Anderson and may have knowledge of their deaths and the circumstances that led to them. In particular anyone that may have knowledge of prescribed or non-prescribed medications each were using or had spoken about.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
