Joshua Kerry Charged in 78-Year-Old Ann Widdecombe's Murder as Court Hears 21 Hammer Blows
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jul 21
Joshua Kerry Charged in 78-Year-Old Ann Widdecombe's Murder as Court Hears 21 Hammer Blows
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jul 21
Summary
Westminster Magistrates' Court heard Joshua Kerry, 28, is accused of killing former minister Ann Widdecombe at her Devon home and was remanded in custody until an Oct. 9 appearance at the Central Criminal Court.
Prosecutors said Widdecombe, 78, was eating lunch on July 8 when Kerry drove more than 250 miles to her house, entered through the front door, struck her 21 times with a hammer and left with her wallet within two minutes.
Police arrested Kerry on July 11 in South Yorkshire and are still examining motive, including possible political or terrorist links; he did not enter a plea.
Widdecombe's killing has revived security fears around British politicians after the 2016 murder of Jo Cox and the 2021 killing of David Amess.