A couple in their 70s are fighting for life after a violent home invasion at Torrington early this morning, during which they tried to defend themselves against an armed intruder.
Emergency services were called to a rural property at Torrington, a remote location 65km south-west of Tenterfield and 70km north-west of Glen Innes, about 12.15am on Thursday 4 June 2026, following reports of a home invasion.
Police have been told a 75-year-old man and his 72-year-old wife, identified as Keith and Diane Blessing of ‘Trukemup’, were inside their home on Torrington Road when a 34-year-old man, Joshua Dylan Trethewey, allegedly forced his way into the property and stabbed both victims with a knife.
The older couple allegedly attempted to protect themselves during the terrifying ordeal. Mrs Blessing collapsed suffering a stab wound to her chest, while her husband sustained a stab wound to his abdomen.
New England Police Superintendent Chris McKinnon said Mr Blessing managed to grab a knife from the kitchen and slash the attacker during the ordeal, after which he left the house.
Mr Blessing then called Triple Zero (000), prompting police from Tenterfield and Glen Innes, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, to race to the scene. Police have acknowledged that while they went as quickly as they could, it took some time to reach the remote location.
Before officers arrived, however, Mr Trethewey allegedly attempted to force his way back into the house, but his second attempt to violate the home ended when he was shot by Mr Blessing.
“The male occupant of the house retrieved a firearm and he has fired a single shot at the male trying to re-enter the house. He suffered a gun shot wound to the abdomen,” Superintendent McKinnon said.
Four NSW Ambulances attended the scene, as well as both the Lismore and Tamworth based Westpac Rescue Helicopters, and an intensive care team, and senior NSW Ambulance staff. They had to wait for NSW Police to secure the scene before going in to treat both the couple and the intruder.
Paramedics treated the couple at the scene for critical injuries before both were airlifted by the Westpac Rescure Helicopter to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.
“They are both in a stable but critical condition,” Superintendent McKinnon said.
Mr Trethewey was treated at the scene for a gunshot wound before being taken under police guard by road ambulance to Armidale Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition. He was charged with two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.
It is believed Mr Trethewey was not known to the couple. He was known to police but had a “limited” criminal history, and is not local to the area.
“Torrington is quite a remote, rural community, so it is very rare for anything like this to happen” Superintendent McKinnon said.
Mr Blessing is a licensed shooter and the longarm used was legally owned and registered weapon.
As to whether Mr Blessing would face charges himself, Superintendent McKinnon said it would be part of the investigation, but he had a right to defend themselves.
“A person is entitled to use reasonable force to defend themselves,” he said.
“He certainly did his best, certainly under very difficult circumstances, to defend himself and his partner.”
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated confidentially.
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