Months after IVF baby, dad accused of murdering wife
A FATHER appeared in court yesterday charged with murdering his teacher wife six months after the birth of their first child following fertility treatment.
The body of Abi Fisher, 29, was found on Sunday in undergrowth 12 miles from the home she shared with her daughter and husband Matthew, also 29.
He was not asked to enter a plea to the charge of murder during a brief hearing at Leeds magistrates’ court yesterday. Fisher, who married Abi five years ago, revealed on Facebook that their daughter was conceived with the help of IVF.
At the end of March he posted a message about the joys of parenthood, writing: ‘Can’t believe it has been 12 weeks already. It has been a wonderful experience and we wouldn’t change anything. We love you.’
A search was launched for his wife last weekend after she went missing. Police were helped by friends, family and members of their community in Castleford but it ended tragically with the discovery of her body near Brierley in South Yorkshire.
Relatives of Mrs Fisher wept as District Judge Charlotte Holland remanded Fisher in custody and sent the case to crown court.
She taught at Featherstone All Saints Church of England Academy.
Matthew Jones, the primary school’s headteacher, said: ‘She will be remembered as an enthusiastic, kind and caring teacher and colleague, who gave her all each day.
‘In particular, her passion for science inspired countless children over the years. She made a real difference to so many lives.’
A statement from her family said: ‘Our beautiful Abi. Words cannot describe how utterly devastated we are at the loss of you. We miss you dearly.
‘We promise to make you proud every single day, and will continue to bring up your
‘Made a real difference’
amazing little baby girl the way you would.
‘Heaven may have gained an angel but we have lost you and that for us seems like the most unjust act to happen.
‘We as a family would like to thank every single person who showed enough heart and love to look for our precious angel.
‘Words will never describe how much this means. For now our beautiful angel. We love you so much.’