Chidham murder suspect dies in hospital

THE MAN being treated as a suspect in the murder of the couple in Chidham has died in hospital, police said.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Feb 2016, 15:22 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 18:40 BST

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Dennis Jefferson, 76, and wife Sheila, 73, were found with head and neck injuries in their burnt home. Contributed picture from 2010Dennis Jefferson, 76, and wife Sheila, 73, were found with head and neck injuries in their burnt home. Contributed picture from 2010
Dennis Jefferson, 76, and wife Sheila, 73, were found with head and neck injuries in their burnt home. Contributed picture from 2010

Police have named the suspect as Norman Williams, 70, who was brother-in-law to Sheila Jefferson, 73, the woman killed in her bungalow along with husband Dennis Jefferson, 76.

A murder investigation was launched after the couple’s bodies were found on Saturday morning in their property in Maybush Drive, which had been ravaged by fire.

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Detectives were waiting to speak to Norman Williams, who attended an address in Rotherfield on Saturday lunchtime with severe burns.

The couple's bodies were found in their burning bungalow in Maybush Drive, ChidhamThe couple's bodies were found in their burning bungalow in Maybush Drive, Chidham
The couple's bodies were found in their burning bungalow in Maybush Drive, Chidham

Police said he was transferred to hospital where he died on Tuesday, February 9.

Detective Chief Inspector Tanya Jones from Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “The information we have so far had led us to treat Norman as the suspect in our investigation.

“He has since passed away in hospital. We do not have any information that there is anyone else involved.

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“This is a tragic incident and the families of all those involved has asked for privacy and time to grieve at this time.

A murder investigation was launched but the main suspect has now died in hospital, police saidA murder investigation was launched but the main suspect has now died in hospital, police said
A murder investigation was launched but the main suspect has now died in hospital, police said

“We are continuing to appeal to anyone in the area who might have seen or heard anything suspicious in Maybush Drive between 9am on Friday and 8.35am when the fire started on Saturday morning.”

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Related topics:Police