The family at the centre of a brutal stabbing in Wellington are said to be religious, peaceful folks.

A 25-year-old woman has been arrested following the death of a 67-year-old man in Johnsonville on Wednesday night.

A nine year old boy remains in hospital, and three other women have been treated.

Police are calling what happened on Broderick Road a tragic family incident.

Johnsonville Community Association president Graeme Sawyer hasn't heard of any trouble at the house in the past.

"Certainly there's been not the slightest suggestion of any lawbreaking or any other malfeasant activity there whatsoever," Sawyer said.

Four years ago the street was in the news for a different brutal attack - when Matthew Hall was stabbed to death in his home in 2011.

Sawyer believes they are very separate events and nothing to do with the neighbourhood.

"My own children have gone to school half a block away from the site and we know a lot of people who love in the area and it's really a very pleasant and safe neighbourhood."