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The exact cause of the alleged altercation at a state housing complex in Padbury remains unknown.
Police were called to the scene following reports of a disturbance shortly after 6:20 p.m. local time (8:20 p.m. AEST) and discovered a 69-year-old man suffering from critical injuries.
Despite receiving immediate first aid and being transported to Royal Perth Hospital, the man did not survive.
A 39-year-old man from Geraldton, located approximately four hours to the north, was taken into custody at the scene.
Throughout the day, homicide investigators and forensic teams meticulously collected evidence from the residence, including a mobile phone.
Neighbours said they regularly heard a couple yelling at the house and were frequently called to the property.
“I came home because my wife called me because the police knocked on the door, saying that something’s happened down the road,” neighbour Jamie Tonus said.
“… [It’s] really shocking, because, like I said earlier, young families everywhere, people our age, all pretty nice people, and I didn’t think something like that would happen on this street.”
A relative posted a message online.
“I’m so sorry pop Terry I wish I was there to help you it was a real horrible way for you to leave us all,” they said.
Police Minister Reece Whitby said his thoughts were with the family’s and the loved ones of the dead man.
“I understand it was a very confronting scene for police and first responders,” he said.
The 39-year-old man from the Geraldton suburb of Wonthella was charged with murder and due to front Joondalup Court tomorrow.
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