Suspected murder and suicide in Ealing

Posted on: Sunday, December 30, 2012

Detectives are investigating the suspected murder and suicide of an elderly couple in Ealing, west London.

Kim Matthews, 62, and Judith Brierley, 67, were found dead at their home in Rowan Close at around 11am on December 28 after concerned relatives contacted police.

Mr Matthews was found hanging and Mrs Brierley was found upstairs with injuries suggestive of strangulation.

Statement from Met Police at 2pm:

Police are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman in Ealing.

At around 1100hrs on Friday, 28 December, officers attended a house in Rowan Close, W5 after concerns were expressed for the occupants who had not contacted relatives over Christmas.

Upon entry officers found the body of a 62-year old man hanging. Following a search upstairs, they found the body of a 67-year-old woman. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command have launched an investigation.

A post-mortem examination held at Hillingdon Mortuary on Saturday, 29 December, gave cause of death for the woman as ligature compression of the neck.

Officers are treating this death as murder. Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the deceased is believed to be Judith Ann Brierley, 67, of Rowan Close, Ealing.

The death of the man is not believed to be suspicious. A post-mortem examination will be held on Thursday 3 January. Although formal identification has not yet taken place, he is believed to be Kim Matthews, 62, also of Rowan Close, Ealing.

Mr Matthews and Ms Brierley were long-term partners and lived together at the address. They had no children.

Inquests will open and adjourn in due course.

An incident room has opened at Hendon under Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner.

DCI Bonner said:"Whilst we continue to keep an open mind in relation to this investigation, we believe this to be an isolated incident with no third party involvement. I would like to express my condolences to the families of Kim and Judith at this very sad time."

Although nobody else is sought in connection with the deaths, officers wish to speak with anyone who has information that may assist the investigation, in particular anyone who knew the deceased. The incident room number is 020 8358 0200.