Langwith Junction: Man charged with murder and attempted murder

A man has been charged with the alleged murder of Freda Walker and attempted murder of her husband Ken.

Vasile Culea was arrested at his home in Grove Road, Church Warsop, on Thursday 20 January by detectives investigating the death of 86-year-old Freda and the attempted murder of 88-year-old Ken.

The couple were found by a concerned neighbour at 9am on Saturday 15 January at their home in Station Road, Langwith Junction.

Freda was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ken was found with life threatening injuries and remains in hospital in a critical condition.

The 33-year-old has today (21 January) been charged with murder and attempted murder and has been remanded in custody.

He will appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (22 January).

ACC David Kirby said: “I would like to thank all those who have come forward and supported the investigation so far.

“The incident has had an understandable impact on the community of Langwith Junction and the wider Shirebrook area.

“Our thoughts remain with the couple’s family and friends – and I, along with the whole of Derbyshire Constabulary, send our best wishes to Ken.

“While today’s charge is clearly positive news, and one that I hope brings a degree of reassurance, the investigation into the incident continues and I would once again appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward.

“In particular detectives still want to speak to anyone who was walking or driving on Station Road between 4.30pm on Friday 14 January and 9am on Saturday 15 January to come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone who may be able to help detectives with their enquiries is asked to contact Derbyshire police using any of the below methods, including reference 240-150122:

• Facebook– send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter– direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website– complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/ContactUs.
• Phone – call us on 101.
• Major Incident Portal - Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.