British officer charged with murder
In woman’s kidnapping and killing
LONDON -- A British police officer was charged Friday in the kidnapping and killing of Sarah Everard, 33, whose disappearance and death has sent shock waves through the nation.
Wayne Couzens, 48, who previously had posts at Downing Street and the Palace of Westminster, was charged with killing Ms. Everard, a marketing executive. She was last seen at 9:30 p.m. March 3, walking home from a friend’s house in south London. Her disappearance sparked a national outcry in Britain over the harassment and abuse of women.
The Metropolitan Police said that the officer had joined the force in 2018 and that for the past year, his main job was patrolling diplomatic premises, mainly embassies.
Mr. Couzens was also accused of exposing himself in a restaurant in south London three days before Ms. Everard went missing.
Mr. Couzens was arrested Tuesday and later taken to a hospital after suffering a head injury while alone in his cell, police said.
He was then returned to a police station and was held for further questioning before he we was charged.
“I know that the public feel hurt and angry about what has happened, and those are sentiments that I share personally, and I know my colleagues here at Scotland Yard and across the Met share as well,” said Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave, speaking outside Scotland Yard. He confirmed that a body found in the woods near Ashford, a
town about 60 miles southeast of London, was that of Ms. Everard.
He added, “I also recognize the wider concerns that have been raised, quite rightly, about the safety of women in public spaces in London and also elsewhere in the country.”
The case has struck a chord with women nationwide, with many demanding change. Women have taken to social media to share their own experiences and fears about walking alone.