Murder probe after actress plunges from luxury flats
A MURDER investigation has been launched after an aspiring actress dubbed “a shining star” by her family plunged from an apartment block in the City of London.
Bethany-Maria Beales, 22, was found on Saturday with injuries suggesting a fall from a height at the exclusive 36-storey Heron building, where flats cost between £500,000 and £10million.
Unconfirmed reports said Miss Beales fell from the 19th floor and was found on a glass atrium at the Moor Lane building in the Barbican area.
According to her online profiles, she was an actor and singer with a particular interest in musical theatre who studied drama at the University of Roehampton.
City of London Police said a man and a woman, both 38, had been arrested on suspicion of murder and released under investigation. Miss Beales’ family said: “Beth was a kind, funny, loyal, intelligent, talented and stunningly beautiful person who changed the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her and lucky enough to be loved by her.
“She was more than a daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, stepsister, step-auntie, goddaughter or friend. She was the world to us all.
“She had the brightest smile and the most beautiful singing voice. She was our songbird.
“She had an amazing talent that, if it had been seen by the world, would have become known to millions. Our world will never be as bright again now that our shining star has gone.”
Detective Chief Inspector Edelle Michaels said: “We would like to extend our thoughts and condolences to Bethany’s family and friends and reassure them we are doing everything we can to determine the circumstances of this tragic incident.
“Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have information is asked to contact police as soon as possible.
“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the Heron building or the vicinity on Saturday.”
Miss Beales posted an online message at 3am on Saturday, shortly before her death, about passing pop star The Weeknd outside Soho nightclub The Box.
S h e wrote: “The Weeknd has just walked past me and touched my back to move past. I am hyperventilating and I think I’m about to have his child.”
Miss Beales’ friend Lauren Foster, a Los Angeles-based lawyer, tweeted: “I can’t believe you’re gone. I love you so much.” And Elizabeth Minto Das said: “You were the most beautiful and wonderful soul I ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 020 7601 2222, or Crimestoppers online or 0800 555 111.