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 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.
Christopher Mayer, 22, of no fixed abode, Exeter, Devon, has been charged with her murder
‘They continue to ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.’
At the time appeals over her disappearance had been made by her worried family.
Lorraine, a Type 1 diabetic, disappeared suddenly, with her medical kit left at home.
Her family said: ‘Just want to know she is safe and well’.
Friend James Leo said: ‘Lorraine, this is totally out of character.
‘Insulin is the one most important drug to keep you alive. Just let someone know you are safe privately and confidentially.’
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Nattrass from the Major Crime Investigation Team said on September 10: ‘Lorraine Cox had initially been treated as a missing person following concerns for her welfare from her friends and relatives.
‘However, following a significant development in the case, we are now treating this as a murder investigation.
‘Three men, aged 22, 30 and 33, all of whom live locally, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.
‘Extensive searches by specialist officers are currently taking place in and around Mary Arches Street in Exeter City Centre.
‘A cordon remains in place and the public are likely to see police activity ongoing in the area for the next few days.
‘We would like to hear from anyone who believes they had seen or heard from Lorraine since 1 September as a matter of urgency.’