Throughout 2024, the Guardian aims to report on every woman allegedly killed by a man, drawing on the work of campaigns such as Counting Dead Women, the Femicide Census and Killed Women.
In recent years in the UK, a woman has been killed by a man every three days on average, yet most of their stories have gone unheard. The Guardian wants to help change that.
This year, the toll of women whose deaths have led to a man being charged has now reached 50. Here, we mark each of their lives.
None of these incidents are linked in any way other than that a woman has been killed and a man charged in connection with her death.
Courtney Mitchell
Died 6 August, aged 26
Beaming as she looks into the camera, Courtney Mitchell’s “contagious smile” – as described by her family – is there for all to see. She was a woman whose kindness had no limits, they said.
“Courtney was very intelligent and could read any room, she was extremely funny and was the life and soul of any gathering. Courtney touched the lives of so many with her warmth and generosity, she was courageous and full of spirit and had a unique ability to make others feel valued and loved.”
Shortly after 7pm on 6 August, Mitchell, who had three children, was found with stab wounds to the chest at an address in Ipswich. She later died in hospital. Logan Burnett, 27, has been charged with murder.
Olivia Wood
Died 30 July, aged 29
It was 3am on the morning of 30 July when paramedics were called to a house in Somerset. Inside they found 29-year-old Olivia Wood with serious injuries. Wood, of Northwich, Cheshire, was rushed to a nearby hospital but died soon afterwards.
In a statement, her family said: “Olivia was a bright, kind, beautiful and conscientious daughter, sister, aunt and incredible friend who cared deeply about the people she loved. Her passion in protecting the environment and wildlife was shown through her conservation work which brought her a lot of joy.
“Our hearts have been shattered and she will be dearly missed by all. Her beaming smile and infectious laugh will be forever remembered.”
Keiron Goodwin, 32, from Frome, has been charged with murder. He is due to stand trial on 6 January 2025.
Rebecca Simkin
Died 29 July, aged 31
The body of Rebecca Simkin was found while she was living in temporary accommodation for people who find themselves homeless.
Officers were called to Eagle House, Stafford, on 29 July just before 10.30am. Wayne Bond, 44, from Stafford, has been charged with murder.
Alana Odysseos
Died 22 July, aged 32
Jasmine Yates said it felt like she was in a “living nightmare” after learning of the death of her older sister, Alana Odysseos. Yates said Odysseos had just discovered she was four weeks pregnant when she was found with stab wounds at a house in Walthamstow, London. She died at the scene.
Odysseos was a “brilliant mother” who “completely doted” on her daughters, aged 12 and two, Yates said, adding: “We’re all truly devastated and struggling so much to come to terms with this, that we feel so much anger at the same time.”
Shaine March, 45, who police said was known to Odysseos, has been charged with her murder.
Laura Robson
Died 22 July, aged 37
Emergency services found Laura Robson “with serious injuries consistent with being caused by an assault” when they were called to a disturbance in the Greenside area of Gateshead. She was pronounced dead a short time later. Flowers and tributes were laid near the scene.
Ben Hughes, 38, was arrested and has been charged with murder. Police said it was thought that those involved knew each other.
Each of these women deserves to be remembered by name and as more than just another statistic
Karen Ingala Smith, co-founder of the Femicide Census and ambassador of nia, working to end violence against women and girls
Jenny Sharp
Died 19 July, aged 80
When police were called to the home of Jenny Sharp, in Tolworth, south-west London, they found her unresponsive and arrested her husband on suspicion of murder. A postmortem examination gave the 80-year-old’s cause of death as “manual compression to the neck”.
Alan Sharp, also 80, has since appeared at Wimbledon magistrates court. The Metropolitan police are not believed to be looking for anyone else.
Sophie Evans
Died 12 July, aged 30
Thirty-year-old Sophie Evans was a loving mother to her two children, a daughter and a sister, who was described as “the rock” of her family.
Her body was found on 12 July at a property in Llanelli. Richard Jones, 49, whom she knew, was subsequently arrested and charged with her murder.
“Our beautiful and amazing sister and daughter Sophie was tragically taken from us, and our lives will never be the same,” her family said.
Jones, from Y Rhodfa, Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, was remanded into custody.
Joanne Samak
Died 1 July, aged 49
Joanne Samak’s family described her as a “loving, sensitive and generous” daughter and mother.
Police were called to her home in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, just after 4am on 1 July, where they found the body of the 49-year-old. Mohammed Samak, 42, was charged with her murder and appeared in court on 5 July.
In a statement, her family said: “We are so thankful for Jo and have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and tributes from all who knew her. Jo, you are so loved by all your family and friends. Words fail us. We will continue to love and miss you for ever.”
Maxine Clark
Died 27 June, aged 36
Maxine Clark’s friends paid tribute to her on social media and sent sympathies to her children after she was found dead at home in Riddrie, north-east Glasgow.
The 36-year-old is reported to have worked as a nurse and volunteered for local charities. Officers from Police Scotland had been responding to reports of a woman with serious injuries at the property when they found her.
Mark Keel, 32, appeared at Glasgow sheriff court charged with her murder. He was remanded in custody after making no plea.
Lauren Evans
Died 25 June, aged 22
The family of Lauren Evans, 22, who was found dead at a house in Staffordshire, described her as “a sweet girl whose smile would brighten even the darkest of days”.
Evans’s body was found at a property in Hednesford, near Cannock, on 25 June by emergency crews, who also discovered the body of Daniel Duffield, a 24-year-old paramedic.
Duffield, from Cannock, who had appeared in the Channel 4 documentary series 999: On the Frontline, was employed by the West Midlands ambulance service at Willenhall, near Wolverhampton; Evans was due to start a career in mental health nursing.
Her family said: “Lauren was truly beautiful inside and out and will for ever be in our memories.”
Rita Fleming
Died 23 June, aged 70
When police forced entry into the home of Rita Fleming, 70, in Kensington, west London, they found her drowned in an overflowing bath, wearing a nightdress.
“The cause of death was drowning but she had sustained serious traumatic injuries beforehand,” the prosecutor Hamish Common said.
Clifford Cowen, 57, reportedly her fiance, was arrested and has since been charged with her murder.
These are our daughters, mothers, sisters and loved ones; we won’t stop fighting for protection and justice for all women
Killed Women, a campaign network for bereaved families
Joanne Ward
Died 21 June, aged 53
Police officers discovered Joanne Ward’s body after responding to reports of a woman seriously injured at a house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on 21 June.
Laurence Ward, 57, was arrested and charged with murder shortly afterwards. Ward, believed to be her partner, appeared at Sheffield crown court on 26 June, where he was remanded into custody.
Delia Haxworth
Died 18 June, aged 85
Delia Haxworth and her husband, William Arthur Haxworth, should have been enjoying their remaining years together when she died, aged 85.
William, 87, was charged with her murder on 18 June after Delia was found “in need of urgent medical treatment” at a property in Bath.
Det Insp Mark Newbury, of Avon and Somerset police, said at the time: “Our thoughts are very much with Delia’s family as they begin to come to terms with this tragedy.”
Chitsidzo Chinyanga
Died 9 June, aged 42
“Her infectious laughter and boundless love for people touched the lives of many.” So read one tribute to Chitsidzo (Veronica) Chinyanga, 42, originally from Zimbabwe, who was described as a much-loved mother, sister and niece.
On 9 June, police were called to a disturbance at a property in Broxburn, West Lothian. Chinyanga was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where she later died. Kasikai Chinyanga, 46, was charged with murder.
“The goal we have is to give Vee and her family in Zimbabwe the chance to pay their respects and say their final goodbye until we meet again,” her friends wrote in a GoFundMe fundraiser, which raised over £5,000 to help her family in Zimbabwe travel to Scotland.
Patsy Aust
Died 2 June, aged 81
Patricia “Patsy” Aust, 81, a retired teacher and a grandmother, was dedicated to her family. Her focus in life was raising her son, and in recent years, her grandson, in the tight-knit Northern Ireland community of Bangor.
That community was shocked when Aust’s body was found in a house on 2 June. Her brother Jim Moore, 85, was charged with her murder.
Speaking at her funeral, the Rev Mark Johnston, of St Andrew’s Presbyterian church, which Aust attended, said: “We will miss Patsy so very much, and have benefited greatly from her warmth, her kindness and love, her compassion for others, especially children.”
Maria Nugara
Died 28 May, aged 54
The family of Maria Nugara, 54, and Giuseppe Morreale, 29, said life would “never be the same again” after the mother and son were found dead in the village of Ugley, Essex. Nugara’s children remembered her as a “loving”, “dedicated” mother, and their brother, also known as Joe, as having a “cheeky smile” and a “loving heart”.
On 28 May, Essex police responded to reports that two people had been seriously injured at an address in Ugley, near Bishop’s Stortford. Nugara and Morreale were pronounced dead at the scene.
Calogero Ricotta, 63, has been charged with two counts of murder and one of actual bodily harm.
“Life will never be the same again. It’s not fair that they have been taken away from us,” the family said. “As you can imagine, our family is devastated, losing both of them has caused a massive void in our hearts.”
Amie Gray
Died 24 May, aged 34
Amie Gray, 34, a personal trainer, was described as a larger than life character. She is remembered by her family as a loving wife and mother, with a giggly laugh and big smile.
On 24 May, police received a report that two people had been stabbed on Durley Chine beach in Bournemouth, Dorset. Leanne Miles, 38, from Poole, was taken to hospital with serious injuries, and Gray died at the scene.
Nasen Saadi, from Croydon, was charged with Gray’s murder, and the attempted murder of Miles.
“I will miss you immensely my love. To the moon and back, for ever and always,” Gray’s wife, Sian Gray, said.
Grays’ mother, Sharon Macklin, said: “She was beautiful inside and out and there are no words that can express how empty our lives will be without her. We will miss her so much and our hearts are for ever broken.”
Margaret Parker
Died 21 May, aged 78
Margaret Parker, 78, was a “lovely, friendly woman” whose neighbours remembered her as someone who always stopped to say hello, and a “great” and “down to earth” person.
On 21 May, Parker, 78, was found dead in Moredun, Edinburgh, after emergency services were called to her home.
Daniel Parker, 36, is charged with her murder, and the attempted murder of two other women, aged 42 and 55, during the same incident.
“I am shocked by the news. Margaret was a quiet, lovely woman,” a local shopkeeper said. “She made time for everyone. She was always well put together and a lovely person.”
Emma Finch
Died 17 May, aged 96
Emma Finch is remembered by her family as a “dear mum” whose loss has left a huge void in their lives.
On 17 May, Finch’s body was found by firefighters after a blaze at her home on a quiet road in the village of Liss, Hampshire. Joshua Powell, 26, has been charged with her murder.
“The death of our dear mum at the age of 96 has left a huge void in our lives, more so as to the circumstances surrounding her untimely death,” her family said. “The professionalism shown by all the services involved, the dignity shown to mum, brings much comfort to us at this very difficult time, for which we are so very grateful.”
Kathryn Parton
Died 15 May, aged 34
On 24 May, sky lanterns were released in memory of 34-year-old Kathryn Parton, known as Kat and described as a funny, bubbly woman with “the softest soul”.
Nine days earlier, her father alerted emergency services after not hearing from Parton for several days. He found his daughter at home in east Belfast, badly beaten and not breathing.
Her friend Nicola Adams said: “I still cannot believe that she is gone, we had been texting each other just a few days before she was found and my heart is completely broken for her, her family and her son, who she loved so much and was her whole world.” She was described as loving her 13-year-old son “with every bone of her body and her whole heart”.
Jamie Love, 23, Parton’s partner, was charged with murder aggravated by domestic abuse between 9-15 May. Love’s mother, Suzanne, 43, was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by destroying evidence and aiding and abetting a breach of bail. Reece Oliver, 22, was also charged with assisting an offender and aiding and abetting a breach of bail.
Bhajan Kaur
Died 13 May, aged 76
Bhajan Kaur was found dead in a Leicester house on 13 May. Sindeep Singh, 47, of no fixed address, was charged with murder, Leicestershire police said.
Det Mark Sinksi, of the East Midlands special operations unit murder investigation team, said: “This is an extremely difficult time for Mrs Kaur’s family and specialist officers continue to support them.”
The force had had previous contact with Kaur and has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Anita Mukhey
Died 9 May, aged 66
Anita Mukhey, 66, a medical secretary with the NHS, is remembered for her devotion to her family.
She was waiting for a bus in Edgware, north London, when she was attacked at 11.46am. The mother and grandmother was treated at the scene for knife wounds by emergency services but died there.
Jalal Debella, 22, from Colindale, north-west London, was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Tarnjeet Riaz
Died 6 May, aged 44
Tarnjeet Riaz, 44, was a “bubbly, caring and funny character” and a “soul that truly cared for others more than herself”.
On 6 May, her body was found at an address in Thurnby Lodge, east Leicester. Raj Sidpara was charged with her murder.
“She was a bubbly, caring and a funny character who radiated nothing but happiness,” her family said. “She knew the right things to say and do. She was not just a sister or a daughter, she was our best friend. A best friend who is no longer with us. It is a cruel world we live in.”
Lisa Welford
Died 24 April, aged 49
Lisa Welford, 49, a mother, aunt, daughter and sister, had many friends locally and further afield.
On 24 April, her body was pulled from the River Derwent in Malton, North Yorkshire, and she was taken by ambulance to hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Vincent Morgan, 47, from Malton has been charged with her murder.
Her family said: “We are sincerely grateful and appreciative of all the ongoing support that we have received from the local community.”
North Yorkshire police had prior contact with Welford and has referred itself to the IOPC.
Rachel McDaid
Died 19 April, aged 53
Rachel McDaid’s smile was one of the many things remembered by the 53-year-old’s family, along with their closeness, shared jokes and precious time together.
On 19 April, McDaid was found dead at her home in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire.
Her estranged husband, Michael McDaid, 60, later admitted entering his former home and strangling her with a bootlace. He was sentenced to life in prison for murder on 12 July.
Samantha Mickleburgh
Died 14 April, aged 54
After Samantha Mickleburgh, 54, was found dead her two children released a statement saying: “No finer example of a mum could there be. We will feel the loss in every aspect of our lives.”
On 14 April, Mickleburgh’s body was discovered by a housekeeper in a room at the luxury Pennyhill Park hotel in Bagshot, Surrey. James Cartwright, 60, an estate agent from Axminster, Devon, has been charged with murder and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Mickleburgh, was a businesswoman who had worked for British Airways, BP and Thomson Reuters. Her family said she lit up “any room she entered with her vivacious personality and endearing smile”.
Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche
Died 6 April, aged 25
Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, 25, was “someone who cherished moments, finding joy in dancing, trying new things, and spending time with loved ones”, according to tributes.
The 25-year-old was was found dead inside her car in east London on 6 April.
Detectives arrested Gogoa Tape, 27, at an address on the same day; he was charged with murder on 7 April.
Friends and family paid tributes on X. One read: “Rest in perfect peace to my sister. Friend from birth. I’ll never forget you and I will always keep your name alive. I love you deep Kenni.”
Kulsuma Akter
Died 6 April, aged 27
Kulsuma Akter, 27, was a “polite and humble” young mother who “made the people around her laugh”, her cousin said.
While pushing her baby son in a pram on 6 April, Akter was fatally attacked on a street in central Bradford. Habibur Masum, 25, was charged with her murder after a four-day hunt by police.
After her death, a service was organised by women across the city in Bradford’s Centenary Square, with more than 100 people attending. Some chanted “Kulsuma Akter, say her name” as others held the words on placards and paper signs.
Frances Dwyer
Died 30 March, aged 48
Frances Dwyer was “a much-loved daughter, mother, nan, sister, auntie, mother-in-law and friend”. She was found dead at a property in Tile Cross, east Birmingham, just before 1pm on 30 March after concerns were raised for her welfare.
West Midlands police said Anthony Hoey, 49, had been charged with her murder, and that the pair were believed to have known each other. He was also charged with theft, aggravated vehicle taking and driving a motor vehicle taken without the owner’s consent.
Dwyer’s family, including her mother, two daughters and grandchildren, said: “Heaven has gained the most beautiful angel. You’re missed by all your family and friends. For ever and always we love you.”
Ruth Baker
Died 30 March, aged 48
After her death, Ruth Baker’s family said they wanted to “remember her in a positive light and not be darkened by the circumstances of her death”.
Those circumstances are yet to be established. Emergency services were called to a property in Beeston, Leeds, where they discovered Baker’s body. She received medical attention but died at the scene.
George Chalmers, 53, of Beeston, has formally entered a not-guilty plea to a murder charge. A psychiatric report into his mental health is being compiled.
Jillian Hughes
Died 29 March, aged 57
Jillian Hughes, 57, of Merseyside, was on holiday on the Isle of Man, standing outside the Palace Hotel, in Douglas, on 29 March when there was an “altercation”. She later died at Noble’s hospital.
One friend questioned how it could be real that Hughes, a “diamond of a friend”, could be gone. She was “there for everyone”, they added. Another said she was heartbroken for the family, particularly Hughes’s three daughters. “Such a lovely woman, had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Loved by everyone. Sleep peacefully,” she wrote.
John Meadows, 53, also from Merseyside, was charged with manslaughter.
Tiffany Render
Died 22 March, aged 34
Tiffany Render died at the age of 34; her family say they will “treasure” every memory of her life.
She was found dead at a home in Whitehaven, west Cumbria, on 22 March after police were called to the property just before midnight.
Paul Irwin, 50, appeared at Carlisle crown court in April, where he denied murder and sexual assault.
Render’s family said she would be “sorely missed”, and that they felt “great sadness that Tiffany has so tragically been taken from us”.
Carol Matthews
Died 22 March, aged 73
Carol Matthews, from Stoke-on-Trent, was paraplegic and relied on a wheelchair after being diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome in 2000.
In March she pleaded with her husband, 80-year-old Peter Matthews, not to kill her and tried to fight him off as he smothered her with a pillow despite her frailty, a court heard.
Peter had called 999 and admitted killing his wife to “put her out of her misery”, even though she did not want to die. He spent the two days after murdering her trying to kill himself.
On 9 August, he was jailed for life with a minimum term of 10 years. David Mason KC, prosecuting, told the court: “He was full and frank with his admissions from the start, including that Carol told him to stop, but he carried on regardless.”
Sentencing him, Judge Montgomery KC said he killed Carol because he “could not bear witness to her suffering”, but she had wanted to live.
Ursula Uhlemann
Died 20 March, aged 80
Ursula Uhlemann spent her last moments at her home in Queen’s Park, London.
Police were called to the property at about 4.15am on 20 March. Paramedics who were already there pronounced the 80-year-old dead shortly afterwards.
Steven Clark, 50, who is thought to be her partner, was arrested and later charged. A postmortem examination gave a provisional cause of death as compression to the neck.
Pauline Sweeney
Died 20 March, aged 50
Pauline Sweeney was remembered by her seven children as “the life and soul of every room she walked into”, and a “strong woman who wouldn’t let anything bring her down”.
Their tributes came after the 50-year-old was found with stab wounds at a home in Coventry on 20 March. Emergency services were called at about 8.30pm but Sweeney died at the scene.
William Brady, 57, who is thought to have been her partner, has been charged with murder.
Sweeney’s family said: “We’ll remember her with a tear in our eye and love in our hearts. Rest in peace. Love from your seven children.”
Zhe Wang
Died 20 March, aged 31
Zhe Wang had come to London from China to study creative writing and education at Goldsmiths, University of London, where her lecturers described her as “so creative, so full of life, and so erudite”. She dreamed of one day publishing her writing.
She was 31 when she died from stab wounds at home in Hither Green, south-east London, on the evening of 20 March.
Joshua Michals, 24, a US national living in Lewisham, was charged with her murder two days later. Police believe the pair knew each other.
The student’s family described her as “a kind and gentle girl who sought knowledge and advancement, and was extremely gifted in languages, proficient in five languages”. They added: “Zhe’s unexpected death has touched the hearts of countless people and is a tragedy for the whole family.”
Sarah Mayhew
Died 8 March, aged 38
On a sunny morning in early April, flowers and handwritten notes offering Sarah Mayhew’s family condolences piled up on Rowdown Fields.
Just days earlier, police had been called to the south London park after a dog walker saw his animal dig up a bone. They discovered human remains distributed around the edge of the park, which were identified as belonging to the 38-year-old. Six weeks later more human remains, also belonging to Sarah were discovered in a river in Mitcham, 9 miles away.
Steven Sansom, 44, and Gemma Watts, 48, have been charged with her murder and preventing her lawful and decent burial. They were both known to Mayhew.
They are alleged to have killed her on the night of 8 March before cutting up her body using power tools.
Christine Bauld
Died 3 March, aged 55
To residents of the village of Burbage in Leicestershire, Christine Bauld, known as Tina, was a familiar and friendly face. “The most smiley, loveliest woman that you could wish to meet,” according to one neighbour.
So when on Sunday morning police responded to reports of an incident, which would result in Bauld becoming the 12th woman in the UK this year alleged to have been killed by a man, the news stunned the village’s small community. “I couldn’t believe it. It was absolutely horrible,” one resident said.
Those who knew her describe Bauld as a force of positivity, “always smiling, always upbeat, her glass was always full to the top. The life and soul if you went out. She was absolutely lovely”.
She was 55 when she was found dead. Gregor Bauld, 22, was charged with murder and possession of a bladed article. A trial date has been set for September. He has denied the crime.
Wendy Francis
Died 2 March, aged 61
Wendy Francis was described as “one in a million” by her family after she was stabbed to death by her daughter’s partner. Damian Homer, 50, pleaded guilty to Francis’s murder and the attempted murder of his girlfriend, Stacey Hill.
Police described it as a “brutal knife attack”, which is thought to have happened after an argument, and left Hill with serious injuries. Francis, 61, died at the scene.
Francis’s family said: “Wendy will be hugely missed; she was one in a million and muchloved.” A number of people also posted tributes on social media. “I’m struggling to believe this is real,” read one. “Wendy has been a part of my life ever since I was young. Rest in peace sweet angel.” Another said: “I have known Wendy for a very long time, my heart breaks.”
Paramjit Gosal-Gill
Died 23 February, aged 40
“Those who had the pleasure of knowing Pam would know what a warm, loving, caring and funny personality she was,” said a statement issued by the family of Paramjit Gosal-Gill, known as Pam to her family, who was found dead at a house in Buckinghamshire.
Her life was “short but meaningful in so many ways to so many people”, it continued. “We are all devastated she has been taken from us so soon and she will be deeply missed.”
Thames Valley police were called to Seeleys Road in Beaconsfield just after 6am on 23 February, where Pam was pronounced dead at the scene. Paul Gill, 39, has since been charged with one count of murder and is due to appear at Reading crown court on 5 April.
Sam Varley
Died 12 February, aged 44
Sam Varley was a character. The 44-year-old from Leeds loved music, and made it known. Becky Joyce from the Leeds-based Homeless Street Angels charity, which supported Varley, told the BBC: “When I used to take her to appointments we used to have CDs on, she used to make me put the radio on really loud.”
Varley’s life was cut short when she was found dead at a house in Brown Hill Terrace, Harehills, Leeds on 12 February. West Yorkshire police said a 54-year-old man, Warren Spence, had been charged with murder.
“She will be very missed by the whole community, she was such a light within the community and everybody loved her … Everybody has nice words to say about her,” Joyce said.
Claire Leveque
Died 11 February, aged 24
Canadian Claire Leveque had moved to a remote Scottish island to satisfy her love of adventure, to “do the things that she loved doing” and be “friendly to everybody she met”, her father said.
But the 24-year-old got little opportunity to live the new life she wanted. Just months after arriving on Shetland she was found dead at a property in the island’s Sandness area.
Police were called to reports of a disturbance on Sunday 11 February. A 39-year-old man, Aren Pearson, was later charged with murder.
Her father paid tribute to her “happy, positive” character, recalling: “My daughter texted me every night: ‘I love you Dad’. Every night of her life.”
Michele Romano
Died 9 February, aged 68
Michele Romano’s Facebook page shows a woman still living life to its fullest: clinking kir royals in restaurants and seeking out 1980s glam rock tribute bands. At 68, she is believed to have worked as a carer and in a charity shop.
Romano had previously fundraised for South East and Central Essex Mind, a charity whose mission she said “means a lot to me”.
In early February, she was found seriously injured by police officers responding to reports from neighbours. Despite the efforts of paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her son, Sebastian Compton, 47, was subsequently charged with her murder. Compton’s plea hearing at Chelmsford crown court was postponed on grounds of mental health.
Claudia Kambanza
Died 26 January, aged 22
Claudia Kambanza’s family said her sudden death had torn their hearts apart. Aged 22, Kambanza was said to be “kind and bubbly” and “a very strong young woman who was warm-hearted”.
The second born of three siblings, she was an “accommodative spirit” who loved to dance. A TikTok account shows Kambaza enjoying rides at the funfair or playing pranks on people.
She was stabbed on Hinderwell Street in Hull on 26 January at about 3am and died shortly after being taken to hospital. Mateus Johannes, 28 and believed to be her boyfriend, was charged with her murder and the possession of a bladed article in a public space.
Kambanza’s family has created a GoFundMe page to repatriate her body back to Namibia, where she was originally from. “Her sudden death has torn her parents’ heart apart,” it says.
Tara Kershaw
Died 20 January, aged 33
Tara Kershaw was loved by many: her two young daughters, her siblings and their children, her parents and many members of her wider community.
Her family described her as a “loving and kind soul”, someone who “had a face that was well known all over”. That’s why they “struggl[ed] to come to terms” with the fact that she could die in her own home in Great Yarmouth, aged 33, of injuries consistent with compression to the neck, by someone that police thought she had known.
A man who lived at the same address, Adam Barnard, 40, has been charged with her murder. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has announced it is investigating Norfolk police’s “conduct, action and decision making” after it emerged the force had previous contact with Kershaw.
Kanticha Sukpengpanao
Died 19 January, aged 36
Kanticha Sukpengpanao’s love for her nieces was such that she had travelled from her home in Thailand to Norfolk to visit them. It was while on this trip that she would be found dead alongside the children she had come to see.
The discovery of her body, alongside those of 12-year-old Jasmin Kuczynska and eight-year-old Natasha Kuczynska, and her brother-in-law, Bartlomiej Kuczynski, shocked those living in the town of Costessey, near Norwich.
Sukpengpanao has been described as a supportive friend and a loving aunt who will be missed by many. A friend told the Mirror: “Kanticha was very nice and caring to all friends of her … she helped everyone.”
Sukpengpanao and the children died of stab wounds. Kuczynski died of a single stab wound in his neck. Norfolk police have confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths. The force has referred itself to the police watchdog over reports Kuczynski made a 999 call from the property which officers were not dispatched to.
Alison McLaughlin
Died 5 January, aged 53
For Alison McLaughlin, 2024 had got off to a happy start. The 53-year-old had become a grandparent to baby Alilynne. But three weeks later, she was found dead in her home in Greenock, Inverclyde, on 5 January.
McLaughin was found lying next to her dead husband, Neil McLaughlin, 57, after neighbours sounded the alarm.
Described by friends as a “lovely couple, always happy”, the picture circulating in news reports shows a well-groomed pair. Police are treating her death as murder and Neil McLaughlin’s as suicide.
DI Gordon Smith, of Police Scotland, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of both Alison and Neil. They have asked for privacy at what is a very difficult time for them.”
Maya Bracken
Died 4 January, aged 56
“Lovely” was the word that kept cropping up when people spoke about Mayawati – or Maya – Bracken, 56. A friend described her as “an amazing, quirky, hilarious woman who made everyone smile who met her. RIP to a beautiful lady.” Another added that she was “such a lovely lady”.
On 4 January, police were called to reports of an incident and found Bracken stabbed in the chest in a Lexus on the A340 Tidmarsh Road in Berkshire.
About an hour later there were reports of a second death. Julian Bracken, 18, believed to be her son, was found dead on the tracks near Pangbourne station. Thames Valley police said no further suspects were being sought.
Tia Simmonds
Died 3 January, aged 32
Tia Simmonds’ body was found in the storage area of a converted loft in her home, lying face down covered in items of clothing and bedding, according to the prosecutor working on her case.
The 32-year-old was discovered at the home she shared with her husband, Shane Simmonds, in Lewisham, south-east London, on 3 January.
Simmonds, 38, was charged with his wife’s murder the following day. He was also charged with two counts of rape in relation to a teenage girl and has since been remanded in custody, with a trial date set for 14 October.
Keotshepile Naso Isaacs
Died 1 January, aged 33
Keotshepile Naso Isaacs, known as Naso, arrived in the UK a year ago from Otse, a village in south-east Botswana, with the dream of building a new life for her and her three sons.
On New Year’s Day, those dreams were destroyed when she was found dead, aged 33, at a property in the Scottish seaside town of North Berwick. Her husband, Mompati Dodo Isaacs, 37, was charged with her murder.
Neighbours, who had made a “report of concern” to the police, described Naso as “a loving mum to her boys, who must be absolutely devastated”. Friends on social media paid tribute to a “beautiful soul”.
In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit the Killed Women website for details of other support agencies. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org.
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
