Yasin Leli, 46, is set to appear in court after being charged with the murder of Haji Ismail Ahmed Leli, 80, and Hajiyani Fatima Ismail Leli, 78. The couple were discovered with stab wounds at their home in Blackburn, Lancashire, by their carer on Monday morning.
Police were called to the address in Hardman Street at approximately 8:22 a.m. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was later confirmed as multiple stab wounds. Authorities launched an investigation, and a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder later that same day.
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Yasin Leli, of Hardman Street, was formally charged with two offenses of murder. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Blackburn Magistrates' Court on Friday, September 11.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the family described the victims as "inseparable" and the "very heart" of their family. They noted the couple had been married for more than 60 years. "Their loss left a void that words cannot describe, and we are still coming to terms with what has happened," the statement read.
The family expressed gratitude to the police for their "diligence, professionalism and compassion," as well as to local councillors and the wider community for their support. They also thanked Masjide Quwwatal Islam for being a "source of strength, comfort and practical support."
"We now ask, respectfully that our family's privacy be respected, so that we may grieve and mourn in accordance with our faith," the family statement concluded. "We would be grateful for the space and understanding of the media and the public during this period."
On Tuesday, Hardman Street remained cordoned off with a forensic tent in place as officers conducted inquiries. Neighbours reported waking up to a significant police presence. One resident described the street as having become less quiet in recent times.