An 86-year-old man, accused of the stabbing murder of his wife of 60 years, allegedly said "Nan is at peace" after arriving at his granddaughter's home in his pyjamas, blood on his bare feet.
On Sunday, Wanda Dorothy Uhle, 78, was found dead in a Gordon home with a forensic doctor identifying nine incised wounds to her chest, along with multiple additional injuries to her body.
In the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday, her husband, Manfred Uhle, was charged with her murder. He is yet to enter a plea.
Manfred Uhle faced court via audio-visual link from his bed in Canberra Hospital. He appeared to have oxygen tubes in his nostrils.
Members of the couple's family were present in court, dabbing their eyes with tissues and crying during proceedings.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker ordered the man undergo a mental health assessment before returning to court at an unknown later date.
Police documents state that about 7am on Sunday Manfred Uhle arrived at a granddaughter's home, he was wearing blue flannelette pyjamas and a red robe with no shoes on and appeared "shaken".
When asked what was wrong, Manfred Uhle is said to have responded he was cold and wanted to come inside and sit down.
The granddaughter saw blood on his feet and that he was struggling to breathe.
When she asked where Nan was, Manfred Uhle allegedly stated: "I'll tell you what's happened I just need to catch my breath."
He then allegedly said he had a fight with his wife, she had cut him and "Nan was now sleeping".
Another family member contacted police about half an hour later, claiming Manfred Uhle had stated words to the effect of: "Nan is at peace."
About 10 minutes later, police arrived at the Togo Place home where they found the woman deceased, naked in a fetal position, and under a blanket.
They claim to have found a knife covered with a towel near the front door, and blood in the hallway, laundry and toilet.
The knife was about 30 centimetres long with a serrated edge on one side of the blade, and a sharp straight edge along the other. Police claim a matching empty box and sheath was found in one of the bedrooms.
Officers saw stab wounds to the woman's chest and an injury to her right wrist.
Police claim Manfred Uhle had blood on his clothing, extremities and torn skin above his wrist.
A short time later, he was arrested at a Fadden home and taken to hospital. Police previously described Manfred Uhle as having a possible cardiac episode.
A forensic doctor found the interim cause of death to be blood loss from the stab wounds.
An examination of Wanda Uhle identified a scarf tied around her neck, bruising to her lips with a bottom tooth loose, minor cuts to her face and hands, multiple wounds to her forearms and knees.
The woman also had nine stab wounds to her chest and one on her back.
Family members gave statements to police outlining Manfred Uhle's declining mental and physical health, but there are no formal diagnoses.
A neighbour told police she woke at about 5.45am to the sound of a "high-pitched female scream" that lasted 30 to 40 seconds.
Another neighbour heard an argument and someone yell "Fred, Fred", but couldn't see anything when he looked outside.
In court on Monday, Legal Aid lawyer Nathan Deakes said the 86-year-old needed to be seen by a specialist "in relation to a neurological and medical condition".
Mr Deakes told the court Manfred Uhle's criminal history was more than 60 years old.
Prosecutor Claire Daly opposed the man being sent to undergo a mental health assessment, stating he was already in hospital.
She argued that due to the violence of the allegations, Manfred Uhle may pose a risk to others.
The Chief Magistrate said Manfred Uhle had "suffered some apparent delusional behaviour or delusional thoughts" while in hospital.
The alleged Gordon homicide comes just days after 36-year-old father of eight Kot Ador Deng, also know as Bol Ador Deng, was found dead in a house fire in Holt.
Atem Marol Deng, 38, has been charged with murder and arson.
Anyone who may have information relating to the Gordon incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote INV-9591. Information can be provided anonymously.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Menslink 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.
