NUNEATON MAN GETS LIFE FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF ELDERLY WOMAN
A man responsible for the murder of 84-year-old Mildred Whitmore at her residence has received a life sentence.The elderly woman, whom family members described as "the queen of our family," was discovered strangled inside her home on College Street in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
Chase Kelly, aged 32, was found guilty of her murder and was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court to serve a minimum of nine years and nine months behind bars.
Kelly, who did not have a fixed abode, denied the charge of murder but admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
The fatal incident took place on June 1, 2021.
Following the sentencing, her family issued a statement expressing their grief, stating, "Kelly took our mother’s life in a brutal manner, and her loss is devastating." They also said, "While this will not bring her back, Chase Kelly cannot erase the treasured memories of our caring mother and great grandmother.
These will help us stay resilient during difficult times.
It is heartbreaking to know she was attacked in her own home, her safe sanctuary turned into a place of terror in her last moments." The statement highlighted her independence and physical fitness despite her advanced age.
Detective Inspector Collette O'Keefe from the police described her death as "senseless".
Authorities discovered Ms.
Whitmore dead inside her home on June 1.
A few hours later, Kelly was found hiding in bushes near a school with injuries on his arms and legs.
He was arrested and charged with her murder two days after the event.
Additionally, Kelly received a sentence of 17 months for assault causing actual bodily harm from another incident, to run concurrently.
Court proceedings revealed that Kelly had violated two suspended sentences, leading to an additional 12-month and four-month sentences, both suspended.
The court examined his numerous convictions, including assaults and breaches of previous court orders.
