Heartbreaking story behind grandmother's care home death: Elderly couple adored gardening and lived in harmony for decades before she suffered a stroke - as husband charged is charged with her murder
- An 88-year-old grandfather was charged with murdering his wife on Wednesday
- Margaret Sparkes' body was found at a retirement village where the couple lived
- In court on Thursday the man said he 'didn't understand' what was happening
An 88-year-old man who was charged with murdering his wife in their retirement home told a court he 'didn't understand' what was happening.
Police charged Ronald George Sparkes with Margaret Sparkes' murder on Wednesday, at the Martin Luther Homes Retirement Village in Melbourne.
The 87-year-old's body was found at the facility in The Basin around on Wednesday afternoon, and police arrested her husband shortly after.
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Police charged Ronald George Sparkes with his wife Margaret Sparkes' murder on Wednesday, at the Martin Luther Homes Retirement Village in Melbourne
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In Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday, Magistrate Angela Bolger asked Mr Sparkes if he understood the proceedings, to which he responded: 'no, I'm so sorry, I don't', the ABC reported.
Ms Bolger told Mr Sparkes he had been charged with murder, and no bail applications had been made for him.
The grandparents had only lived in the retirement home for six months, before Ms Sparkes' body was discovered.
The couple lived in nearby Ferny Creek (pictured: their old home) for several decades before moving to the retirement home, their old neighbours say they loved gardening together
The couple lived in nearby Ferny Creek for several decades before moving to the retirement home, after Ms Sparkes had a stroke which affected her speech, 7 News reported.
Their old Ferny Creek neighbours say the couple often enjoyed gardening together.
Martin Luther Homes operators are cooperating with police and their investigation.
The 87-year-old's body was found at the Martin Luther Retirement Home (pictured) in The Basin around on Wednesday afternoon, and police arrested her husband shortly after
'The sad passing of a woman who lived in our independent living retirement village today has saddened all our staff, residents and families,' it said in a statement.
'On behalf of everyone at Martin Luther Homes we extend our deepest sympathies to family and friends.'
Mr Sparkes will be remanded in custody until his next court appearance in August.
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