Colin and Bernice Dent revealed as elderly Capel couple found dead inside Berkshire Street home

A 47-year-old man is being questioned by police over the deaths of his parents in their South West home. Well-liked couple Colin and Bernice Dent were found dead inside their Capel home on Berkshire St at 8.15am today. Mr Dent, 75, was a long-term employee of the Capel Shire, who retired from his health services manager position in 2017. Both he and Mrs Dent, 74, were understood to have been actively involved in a number of clubs and associations in the South West. Homicide Detectives travelled to the “shocked and devastated” town as forensic officers examined the small home. Both deaths were being treated as suspicious. The 47-year-old man was taken to Bunbury Hospital with non-life threatening injuries after briefly speaking to officers at the scene and was assisting investigators. Capel Shire president Michael Southwell said the couple were held in very high regard in the community and were known to many people. “It is safe to say the town is in a state of shock,” he said. “All the people who knew him and her through their community activities are devastated and it has taken everyone by surprise. “They were prominent community figures who were involved in a number of community clubs and associations. “On behalf of the shire, we offer our condolences to family, friends and those who knew them.” Cr Southwell said workers at the shire had been offered counselling, time off and support. Nearby resident Shane Nayda said the two deaths were “shocking.” “To find out it’s only a stone’s throw away from home, it’s not cool really,” he said. “Definitely pretty scary to hear it was just down the road from my house, it could have been anyone really. “I actually didn’t know what was happening at first until my father told me something was going on and came out not long after midday to see all these police officers around. “It’s definitely not something you would expect to happen in a community like this and didn’t expect to wake up today to hear this had happened.” South West District Superintendent Geoff Stewart said earlier today his thoughts were with the people involved, their families and the Capel community. He said there was no ongoing threat to the public. Capel Chamber of Commerce president Bernie Masters told The West Australian the Capel Chamber of Commerce is “deeply saddened by the tragic death of Colin and Bernice Dent”. “Both had been long-term residents of the Shire of Capel. Through his 20 years in senior management roles with the Shire, Colin was well known and well respected by the local community,” Mr Masters said. “Life had been difficult for the couple as a family member with a disability was being cared for at home, but Colin never ceased to be friendly and supportive in his dealings with ratepayers and residents.” The investigation comes just weeks after the South West town of Pemberton was the centre of another murder investigation where local farmer John Della Franca was charged with murdering handyman Tony Ditri after the father-of-three vanished during a run to the rubbish tip on August 27. Supt Stewart said he had no doubt the small community in Capel would be reeling from what had allegedly occurred. “The events in Pemberton were shocking for the community and they are still going through a lot of pain,” he said. “Capel will no doubt be going through the same thing now.” Berkshire Street remained cordoned off by police this afternoon, while homicide detectives and forensics officers investigated. Detectives were seen speaking to a number of neighbours as part of their investigation. Police are asking anyone with further information relating to the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.