Prime suspect in murder took his own life

THE prime suspect in the murder of Leah Croucher, who vanished while walking to work in February 2019, has been named by police as Neil Maxwell, who killed himself in April 2019, Thames Valley Police said.

Maxwell was said to have been the only person with keys to the house where remains were found near the 19-yearold’s possessions in Loxbeare Drive, Furzton, Milton Keynes, as the owners were away.

He had been employed by the home owner to carry out some property maintenance at the house.

Maxwell had previous convictions for sexual offences against women and was wanted in connection with a sexual assault in Newport Pagnell in November 2018, the force said.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter said in a statement: “I cannot even begin to imagine what it is like for Leah’s parents and family, for three years and eight months not knowing what has happened to their daughter and loved one.

“All of the investigation team who are working on this case are dedicated to finding the truth for Leah’s family.”

He went on: “Today, I am able to confirm that we have nominated a suspect in this case. His name is Neil Maxwell.

“However, Maxwell was found dead on April 20, 2019, having taken his own life.”

In a statement via Thames Valley Police, the family of Leah Croucher thanked the force for its efforts to find the 19-year-old.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter read out a family statement, saying: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Thames Valley Police for all their efforts over the past three years and eight months. We believe that they could not have done anything differently.”