Who is Anthony Russell? Suspect arrested and charged for killing spree that left 3 dead after 5-day manhunt
On Sunday, October 25, the body of 58-year-old Julie Williams was found at her home in Riley Square, Coventry, UK. The following night on Monday, October 26, her son David Williams was found dead at a nearby property. Then on Thursday, October 29, the West Midlands Police found a third victim, 31-year-old Nichola McGregor from Leamington. Her body was found dead on grassland in Leamington Spa. What connects all three incidents is one man who is the main suspect for the murders.
Who is Anthony Russell?
The 38-year-old man, also a resident of Riley Square, is the prime suspect for all three murders. He was charged by the West Midlands Police and later arrested. Russell was apprehended in Staffordshire on Friday, October 30.
Russell was found in an allegedly stolen car on a country lane after being hunted down by cops as the lead suspect in the murder cases. Russell was found in the car parked in Staffordshire on Friday, West Midlands Police said. The red Ford C-Max car, which police said was stolen in an incident of car-jacking in Leamington on Wednesday, was found in a lane in the village of Rolleston-on-Dove, near Burton upon Trent.
Aside from the murders, Russell has further been charged with offenses related to the alleged car-jacking and a "wounding" which took place in Leamington on Wednesday, the West Midlands Police said. While news reports say that the post-mortem examinations for the three people have so far been inconclusive, further tests will be carried out.
Detective Inspector Jim Mahon who is leading the investigation, said, “Our thoughts remain with the families of Julie, David, and Nicole as they come to terms with the tragic circumstances of their deaths. We want to thank everyone for their assistance with our appeals for information this week, we really appreciate it. Our investigation continues and I would urge anyone with information who have not yet spoken to us, to get in touch.”
Assistant Chief Constable Jayne Meir said Russell was "certainly known" to David Williams, who was last seen on October 20 and was reported as missing for six days before his body was discovered. Reportedly, police have said that Russell was connected to his mother, who was found dead a day before David. It was only after David’s body was discovered that cops launched a manhunt. As of yet, police have made no indications as to how Russell was connected to McGregor’s murder even though he has been charged with it.
The family of McGregor released a statement: “We wish to thank people for their well wishes, Nicole will be greatly missed. We request to be left alone to grieve at this difficult time.”
Russell will appear via video link at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 2. The West Midlands Police urged the public with a statement: “We continue to ask the public for any information to assist our investigation. Please contact us via Live Chat on our website west-midlands.police.uk between 8 am and midnight, call 101 anytime or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”