Body of missing woman, 32, is found in Exeter one month after she vanished and after homeless man, 22, was charged with her murder
- Lorraine Cox, 32, disappeared on September 1 in her home city of Exeter
- It sparked a major search by Devon and Cornwall Police officers
- Nine days later a murder probe was launched after a ‘significant development’
- Today the police force said her body had been found 29 days after she vanished
Police have confirmed the body of a suspected murder victim has been found several weeks after she went missing.
Lorraine Cox, 32, disappeared on September 1 launching a major search across her home city.
Cops then launched a murder probe nine days later after a ‘significant development’ but the hunt continued for her body.
But today a spokesperson confirmed that she had been found in Exeter, Devon, and an inquest had been opened into her death.
Lorraine Cox, from Exeter, who disappeared overnight on September 1 this year
Police searching countryside and woodland near Newton St Cyres, five miles from Exeter
Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: ‘Formal identification has now taken place in connection with the suspected murder of a woman from Exeter.
‘It has now been confirmed that the body located in Exeter in September is that of Lorraine Cox, aged 32, from Exeter.
‘The inquest into the death was opened and adjourned today by HM Coroner, Exeter while the criminal process into this matter continues.’
Christopher Mayer, 22, of no fixed abode, Exeter, Devon, has been charged with her murder
Christopher Mayer, 22, of no fixed abode, Exeter, Devon, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Exeter Crown Court on October 8.
Five other men, aged 43, 22, 30, 33 and 71, have all been released on police bail until October 7.
The spokesperson added: ‘The family of Lorraine has been kept informed of these updates and are being supported by trained liaison officers.
‘They continue to ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.’
More to follow