Hunt for double murder suspect as 3rd body found
POLICE hunting a homeless double murder suspect yesterday found a third body linked to him.
Anthony Russell – described as ‘extremely dangerous’ – is wanted over the deaths of mother and son Julie and David Williams.
Last night police revealed the 38-year-old drug addict may also be behind a third murder following the discovery of a woman’s body in upmarket Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
The woman, who has not been named, was found in Newbold Comyn, an area of parkland popular with dog walkers on the outskirts of Leamington at noon.
The discovery came days after Julie Williams, 58, was found murdered in her Coventry flat just before 11pm on Sunday. Her 32year-old son’s body was found in his nearby flat 24 hours later. He had last been seen on October 20 and was reported missing on Saturday night.
The causes of their deaths have yet to be established and post-mortem examinations will take place shortly. Julie’s brother, Robert, said last night the devastated family were too upset to comment. Relatives of the murdered mother and son have set up an online fundraiser to help pay for their funerals.
Assistant Chief Constable Jayne Meir, of West Midlands Police, said: ‘I can’t stress enough how important it us that we find and arrest Russell and we really need the public’s help to do that.
‘We know he sometimes sleeps rough and is a drug user.
‘It’s early in the investigation, but we have information to suggest that Russell may be linked to the death of the woman found near Leamington. We are working hard to identify her and to find and arrest Russell.’
A 36-year-old man arrested this week on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder has been bailed with conditions.
Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, from West Midlands Police’s homicide team, said: ‘These deaths are
‘Extremely dangerous’
very sad and my thoughts are with David and Julie’s family at this difficult time. Our investigation continues at significant pace but we need to find Russell as soon as possible.
‘I’m urging anyone with information about where he is to get in touch with us straight away.’
Members of the public who know of Russell’s whereabouts are urged to call 999.