Cecilia Webb should have been safe in her garden.

Cecilia Yoke Webb was a 79-year-old widow. A long-time resident of Brisbane's quiet suburb of The Gap, she loved tending to her home's garden.

After losing her husband 18 months ago, neighbours say she kept to herself but was often seen tending to her yard.

"She had been here a long time," neighbour Ross Parker told the Cairns Post. "Everyone was kind of rallying around her in the street to help her with shopping, gardening."

On Monday afternoon, Cecilia was killed—allegedly stabbed multiple times by her son, 40-year-old Alexander Clive Webb.

Her body was found in the front yard of her home on Chestnut Place, with injuries so severe that even seasoned police described it as "one of the worst crime scenes" they'd ever seen.

Police allege Mr Webb used a recently purchased Japanese cooking knife to carry out the attack. Investigators believe he brought the weapon to her home.

Detective Inspector Michael Jones confirmed Cecilia had suffered multiple stab wounds and that some of them were defensive — evidence, they say, that she tried to fight back.

"The injuries were quite horrific. She was stabbed multiple times. The scene itself was particularly horrific," he said.

Emergency services were called to the property at about 4:25 pm, but Cecilia was pronounced dead at the scene.

What followed was a bizarre and horrifying trail for detectives.

Police allege he left the property and travelled to nearby Parkside Crescent, where witnesses say he washed his bloodied hands under a neighbour's outdoor tap.

Another man, unaware of what had occurred, helped bandage his wounds.

Another neighbour said he hosed away the blood, thinking children had fallen over nearby, per the Courier Mail.

From The Gap, Mr Webb allegedly booked an Uber to a home in South Brisbane, where he was staying, before calling another Uber, this time heading straight to Brisbane International Airport.

Arriving just over two hours since Cecilia's death, he was arrested with a backpack, a suitcase, and a plane ticket to Tokyo.

The flight had been booked after the alleged murder. Police say there's no known connection between Webb and Japan. He has since been charged with murder (domestic violence offence).

Court documents show he was born in London and had been living in Victoria, with no known history of domestic violence between him and his mother. He has refused to be interviewed by detectives.

In total, five crime scenes were established—from Cecilia's home to the suburban streets, the South Brisbane home, and the airport terminal.

Neighbours have since left floral tributes outside Cecilia's front gate, who was a woman described by many as kind, private, and resilient.

"What's happened to her and where it has happened… how confronting that is, it's a real shock," added Parker.

"(Her son) had been staying with her previously, particularly after the husband passed away… he's got a young family.

"I didn't believe it, that it could happen in this neighbourhood in particular… so close to home obviously and to happen to such a lovely lady, it just didn't make any sense."

On Sunday, her community will come together to remember her.

A vigil for Cecilia Webb will be held at Moses Adsett Park in The Gap, beginning at 4:15 pm on Sunday, March 30.

Locals are encouraged to arrive from 4 p.m. Queensland Police and support services will be present, and those wishing to share stories about Cecilia will have the chance to do so.

"This is a community event," said Jonty Bush, Member for Cooper. "You don't have to have known Cecilia to come and pay your respects. It's important to remember her."

Cecilia Webb was the 15th woman killed by violence in Australia this year, according to Sherele Moody's Australian Femicide Watch.

She should have been safe in her own home.

If this has raised any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.

Mamamia is a charity partner of RizeUp Australia, a national organisation that helps women, children and families move on after the devastation of domestic and family violence. Their mission is to deliver life-changing and practical support to these families when they need it most. If you would like to support their mission you can donate here.

Feature image: AAP.