Post by Taxigirl on Nov 9, 2003 10:44:48 GMT
A husband and wife murdered at their isolated home were badly beaten before being shot several times, it has been revealed.
Post mortem examination results on Carole and Graham Fisher revealed the couple had undergone a prolonged ordeal before being shot.
The couple were murdered at their bungalow and petrol station near Wadebridge, Cornwall, on Bonfire Night.
Mrs Fisher's body was found by a bus driver outside the Perch Garage petrol station on the A39 at about 0900 on Thursday.
Mrs Fisher, 53, was probably running for her life when she was killed, police said.
Cash motive
Mr Fisher, 60, was found shot dead in a hallway inside the bungalow.
Detective Superintendent Stuart Newberry, who is leading the hunt for the killers, said: "Both died of mass injuries. It's believed that a shotgun was used and they were shot a number of times.
"They had both also sustained a serious physical assault during the ordeal."
He refused to say how many times the couple had been shot or the type of physical attack they suffered before their deaths.
Detectives still do not have a motive, but several neighbours have said the couple kept a large amount of cash in their home.
The Fishers were last seen alive by a couple who had a business meeting with them at the petrol station which ended at about 1840 on Bonfire Night.
It appears they were about to eat an evening meal when they were killed.
The Fishers had owned the Perch Garage and car repair centre for about 20 years.
Officers are still searching the premises for weapons owned by Mr Fisher, who was a firearms holder.
A team of about 60 officers is working on the case.