Two men charged with murder over death of apple farmer, 86 who fought to defend his wife from ‘home invaders’ – after detectives issued $1million reward for information
- Kalim Saliba, allegedly murdered in April, 2020
- Two men, aged 33 and 58, charged over his death
Orchard owner Kalim Saliba, 86, died after he and his wife were allegedly attacked at their home in Cherrybrook in April, 2020
Two men have been arrested over the alleged home invasion and murder of an elderly apple farmer three years ago.
Orchard owner Kalim Saliba, 86, suffered serious head injuries and died in hospital after he was allegedly attacked by two men who broke into his home in Cherrybrook in Sydney‘s north-west on April 29, 2020.
He had bravely tried to defend his 83-year-old wife of 60 years, who was also seriously injured in the alleged attack.
NSW Police offered a $1million reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved in December, 2021 and on Wednesday charged two men.
A 33-year-old was arrested at his home in Castle Hill while a 58-year-old was arrested at Silverwater Correctional Complex.
Both have been charged with murder, and specially aggravated break and enter and commit a serious indictable offence.
Mr Saliba’s family thanked the police force in a statement on Wednesday and said their grief at losing their loved one will remain with them forever.
Two men have been arrested over the alleged murder and home invasion of Mr Saliba
NSW Police officers are seen arresting a 33-year-old man over the alleged murder of Mr Saliba
‘We are extremely thankful to the NSW Police Force for all their diligent hard work and assistance over the past three years. We have full confidence in the investigation team and appreciate their support and hard work,’ the family said.
‘This has understandably been a traumatic and emotional time for our family. We lost a treasured family member, and continue to grieve the loss every day.
‘While the courts process is underway, our family requests privacy at this time.’
Both men charged were due to face court on Wednesday.
At the time of the alleged attack, police said two masked men broke into the couple’s home just after midnight.
Detectives spent months combing through CCTV around the couple’s home in a bid to find their alleged attackers.
Mr Saliba owned the family-run Saliba Fruits apple orchard in the Blue Mountains town of Bilpin.
NSW Police had offered a $1million reward for information leading to an arrest in relation to Mr Saliba’s death
