Police have charged a 92-year-old man with murder after a woman, 87, was found dead at a property in Exeter.
Officers had been called to a property off Topsham Road at lunchtime on April 19 after receiving a report of a concern for the welfare of a woman at the address.
An 87-year-old woman, who police have named as Shirley Billam, pictured here, was found dead at the property, prompting officers to cordon off the area.
Shirley Billam was found dead at the property in Millbrook Lane, Exeter. Photo:D&C Police.
Police sought to trace the dead woman’s next of kin and currently her family are being supported by specialist officers.
Police said Laurence Billam, aged 92, also of Millbrook Lane, Exeter, has been charged murdering Shirley Billam.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “A man has been charged with murder following the death of an 87-year-old woman in Exeter.
“Officers were called to Millbrook Lane at around 12.40pm on Sunday 19 April following reports of a concern for welfare.
“Emergency services attended where a woman was discovered deceased at the property.
“The woman has since been named as Shirley Billam. Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.”
The force spokesperson added: “Laurence Billam, aged 92 and of Millbrook Lane, Exeter, has been charged with her murder and will appear at Exeter Magistrates’ Court this morning, Tuesday 28 April.”
When the police investigation into the woman’s death began, extra officers were seen in the area and a cordon was set up at the scene.
Detectives at the time said they were treating the woman’s death as an isolated incident.
