By Gavin Mackintosh-
Essex residents from the Leigh On Sea and Eastwood area have expressed alarm after an Essex Man was Charged with Murder Following Fatal Garden Assault. 54-year-old Kevin Shepherd was remanded in custody after woman in her 60s found dead in Essex
Essex Police identified and charged 54-year-old Kevin Shepherd with murder in connection to the death of a woman whose body was found at garden at Whitehouse Meadows, and police were called to the scene at around 9pm on Tuesday following a report of an assault.
Shepherd, a resident of Whitehouse Meadows, Leigh On Sea, was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on November 9, where he will face the murder charge.
Residents expressed shock at the news. Sharon Couzens, 34, said: ”it is scary to hear of these kind of horrid crimes committed near you, One just wonders how many maniacs are lurking around. Whatever would drive a man to such brutal murder of a woman?
‘It could have been someone’s partner who committed this evil, sometimes you never know if you with a crazy person.
Another nearby resident, Emma Robinson said: ”this news has horrified most people in the neighbourhood. People have been talking about it at the local stores. It just makes you wonder how easy it is to be mingling with someone dangerous without knowing.
‘Nobody wants to do time for murder, but every so often you find people who lose it for all sorts of reasons, and commits this most evil crime’.
Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding, leading the investigation, assured the community that the incident is isolated, emphasizing that there is no broader threat to public safety. The investigation progressed swiftly, resulting in the murder charge overnight.
DCI Balding urged anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward through the dedicated online portal. He stated, “We have worked quickly and hard to progress this investigation, and I continue to appeal for anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation to please get in touch.”
Individuals providing information are asked to reference incident number 1137 of November 7 to ensure prompt and accurate processing. For those preferring to remain anonymous, contact can be made with the independent charity Crimestoppers through their website, Twitter (@CrimestoppersUK), or by calling 0800 555 111.
The victim, initially reported to be in her 50s, has now been clarified by Essex Police to be in her 60s. The tragic incident highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to maintain community safety and address incidents swiftly. As the case unfolds, the court appearance of Kevin Shepherd will mark the next step in the legal proceedings.