The jewellery industry is mourning the death of a Victorian jeweller who was murdered during a robbery of “jewellery worth $200” on Friday July 12.
Seventy-three-year-old jeweller Dermot O’Toole was stabbed inside his Jewel Shed store, in Hastings, a suburb on the Mornington Peninsula, around 5pm after coming to the aid of his wife Bridget during the robbery.
Mr O’Toole was treated by ambulance officers but died at the scene while Bridget was rushed to hospital for surgery.
Police arrested 26-year-old Crib Point man Gavin Perry on Saturday who has been charged with murder, armed robbery and intentionally causing serious injury.
The O’Tooles ran the Jewel Shed for 26 years. Customers and other locals paid their respects to the popular jeweller by laying flower bouquets outside the store on the weekend and with messages on the store’s Facebook page.
“I can’t believe this has happened to such a beautiful couple,” posted customer Linda Bennell Owen.
“I have been in this store many times over the years and have been greeted as if I was a long lost friend.
“Bridget and Dermot’s happiness and love was a true measure of kindness and sincerity.”
Mr O’Toole is survived by Bridget and his three sons, Christian, Dale and Trent.