A man who allegedly stabbed his grandmother to death and badly injured his grandfather on the NSW far south coast has been charged.
The 20-year-old was arrested on Friday night after a large-scale hunt in the town of Bega prompted by reports two people had been stabbed in their East Street home.
The man's 71-year-old grandfather managed to escape onto the street outside and flag down a passing driver for help, however his 69-year-old wife later died at South East Regional Hospital.
The grandfather was fighting for his life on Saturday after being airlifted to Canberra Hospital.
Late on Saturday, NSW Police confirmed the man had been charged with one count of murder and two counts of wound with intent to murder.
He had allegedly escaped on Friday in the couple's car and police took off after him, warning local residents to stay inside during the search.
About an hour later in Bournda, the young offender struck a 55-year-old male driver over the head with a hammer and stole his car, police say.
That victim was airlifted to Sydney's St George Hospital and a hospital spokeswoman said he remained in a critical condition in the ICU on Saturday evening. A female passenger escaped unharmed.
The 20-year-old was arrested when he fled into bushland and was taken to hospital for assessment.
The Daily Telegraph reported the grandfather told police his grandson was schizophrenic.
However, Insp Sue Charman-Horton wouldn't say whether mental health issues or drugs were a factor.
"At this stage we just knew he was unwell and he certainly needed to be looked at," she said.
Local residents have expressed shock and say the town isn't known to have a violence problem.
"What was really scary was knowing he was on the loose," Rebecca Lupton told the Seven Network.
"We're a safe neighbourhood, we don't lock our doors."
Local Bob Russell recalled finding the elderly male victim on the footpath.
"(There was) blood everywhere," he told the ABC.
Insp Charman-Horton agreed the matter would be hard for the community to come to terms with.
"This is a very unusual event for places like Bega," she said.
"Our staff put in so much effort and we know the community will be supporting those families who are involved in this because of the strength of the community that we have."
The man was refused bail and is expected to appear in Batemans Bay Local Court on Sunday.
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
