‘Darling Emma – how empty our lives will be without you’
35-year-old Thatcham man charged with murder of mother-of-two found dead at Crookham Hill
THE family of a woman who died in Crookham Hill last week have paid tribute to a “loving mother, daughter and friend”.
Emma McArthur, aged 43, died from significant injuries at Crookham Hill, Crookham Common, at around 11.45pm last Thursday.
Christopher Minards, 35, of Station Road, Thatcham, appeared at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday charged with her murder.
In a statement released by Thames Valley Police, her family said: “Darling Emma,
“Spiritual, spontaneous and a free spirit – with a love of Mother Nature especially animals and the outdoors.
“You had a thirst for learning, new skills and could turn your hand to most things.
“Practical – you have never shied away from life’s challenges, caring, thoughtful and always saw the best in everyone.
“A mother who always put her children before herself and whose love touched all those who were blessed with being able to call her a friend.
“Definitely unique and a one off. How empty our lives will be without you.
“Spread your wings and follow your dreams.
“Loving mother, daughter and friend.”
In the preliminary hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the court heard Ms McArthur and Minards had known each other since June 2019.
Prosecution counsel Shane Hauschild said: “The victim Emma McArthur was aged 43 years and a mother-of-two children.
“The defendant and the victim were known to one another, they had met on Facebook in June 2019.
“Paramedics arrived and administered life support but despite their best efforts the victim was pronounced deceased at 12.47am.
“The defendant was later arrested on suspicion of murder.”
News of the incident broke early on Friday morning after police closed several roads around the Burys Bank Road-Crookham Hill junction.
Later that day police announced the launch of a murder investigation and the news that Minards had been arrested on suspicion of and subsequently charged with Ms McArthur’s murder.
Minards was also charged with one count of being in possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Flowers and cards have since been laid at the scene of the incident.
Minards appeared at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday and a trial is scheduled for November.