Mystery of OAP who lived for years with his dead wife’s body
Remains of elderly Christina only discovered by police after she failed to turn up for her Covid vaccination
THE BODY of an elderly woman found in a house last week may have lain undiscovered at the property for years, it is believed.
Christina Malley was found last Thursday at her home in Allison Close, Aberdeen, after she failed to show up for a coronavirus vaccination appointment.
It is understood her husband, who lives in the house, told police Christina was on holiday when they asked where she was.
But when officers visited the property, they discovered her body.
Police are treating the death as “unexplained” and a postmortem is to be carried out.
Stunned neighbours said they did not know that Christina, thought to be about 74, even existed.
They said they knew of her husband but didn’t realise he had a wife or partner.
One neighbour said: “I’ve lived across from them for years and didn’t even know she lived there.”
Another added: “I’ve lived in the area for 22 years and have never known him to have a wife/partner as you only ever saw him. It’s all very sad.”
Alex Nicoll, an SNP councillor for the area, said: “This is very, very sad – not only for the person involved but also for the family and friends who will be affected.
My thoughts and sympathies go out to all of them at what is an especially difficult time. It is terribly, terribly sad news.”
After the grim discovery, forensic officers have been working at the house.
Brian Sloan, CEO of Age Scotland, urged people to look out for elderly neighbours as isolation and loneliness in Scotland is at a record high.
He said: “This is an absolutely heartbreaking case that should act as a reminder to all of us that we have an important role to play in looking out for older people in our communities.
“A phone call to a neighbour or a knock on the door for a socially distanced catch-up chat could make all the difference to an older person’s day. If you haven’t seen an older neighbour for a while, or notice that somone’s curtains are still drawn or see that the newspapers haven’t been picked up, take the time to check up on them.
“Not only will it help your older neighbour feel valued and supported, you could be saving someone’s life.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Officers were called to an address in Allison Close, Aberdeen, on Thursday, February 25, after the body of a woman was found within.
“The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.
“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
TRAGEDY Our story, left, and 1996 tributes
LOVED Amy with Hallie, and inset, as pupil in 1995
A DUNBLANE survivor has given birth to her first child just weeks before the 25th anniversary of the school massacre.
Amy Bestwick, 33, had a due date of March 13, exactly a quarter of a century after gunman Thomas Hamilton murdered 16 of her fellow pupils.
But what was a traumatic date became a happy one when baby Hallie Rose arrived 16 days early when she was born by emergency caesarian section on February 25.
The 6lb 8oz tot and proud mum Amy are both doing well and have been discharged from hospital.
Amy said: “She’s beyond perfect. I’m loving being a mum.
“I feel like I’ve found the reason I’m here in this world, like the missing piece of me has arrived.”
Amy suffered decades of mental health problems after former Scout leader Hamilton, 43, shot dead 16 children and teacher Gwen Mayor in the school gym on March 13, 1996, before turning the gun on himself.
Aged just eight at the time, Amy still vividly remembers seeing bullets shatter a hallway window just metres away from her classroom.
But she has now turned her life around thanks to the pioneering treatment integral eye movement therapy. And she and partner Ryan, also 33, are looking forward to raising Hallie in their Lincolnshire home.
The new mum added: “On the anniversary my feelings will be absolute happiness. My world is complete now. This is why I never gave up searching to heal myself.
“Hallie is worth every bit of suffering that I have gone through.”
I feel I’ve found the reason I’m here in this world AMY BESTWICK ON HER JOY OVER BABY HALLIE