Is was supposed to be an adventure – a new beginning for the doctor couple and their three golden-haired little girls on the South Island of New Zealand.
The family had just moved into a house on a quiet street across from a park and a stone’s throw from the ocean – a perfect place to raise young children.
But the house has fallen silent now, police tape surrounding the property, neighbors shaken by the tragic events.
Just a few weeks ago pictures showed Liané (6) and twins Maya and Karla (2) at the airport after leaving Pretoria, clutching Kiwi soft toys and hamming it up for the camera.
Now the family have made headlines around the world. Less than a week after the Dickason's completed a mandatory two-week isolation period and moved into their home in Timaru in the south of Canterbury, the children were dead.
Graham, an orthopedic surgeon, discovered his daughters’ bodies around 10 pm on the night of Thursday, 16 September.
Lauren, a GP, was also injured but apparently regained consciousness. Details of the mother’s and daughters’ injuries weren’t disclosed – all that emerged was that “nothing could be done for the girls”.
Jade Whaley, one of the couple’s neighbors, says there was no sign that anything was wrong that night until she heard a bang.
“We went outside, but everything was quiet again. We couldn’t see anything, so we went back inside.”
Jade heard another loud bang and went outside again – but again, she could see nothing.
This story is from the 30 September 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 30 September 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines