West Midlands, England: In a shocking incident, a couple has been convicted for drugging, raping and murdering a vulnerable young woman at their residence in West Midlands.
According to a report in the Mirror, the victim identified as Susan Whiting was attacked with a sharp hammer-like object on her head on August 18, 2015.
The accused, Steven Beards, 34, and his wife Julie Beards, 35, had invited Susan for dinner at their place. Under the pretext of dinner, the couple drugged the victim and raped her.
Susan, a young woman with learning difficulties, had made friends with the accused couple at a local adult community center. At the community center, the duo befriended Susan and began interacting with her quite often. They would also invite her to their home for dinner and stay over.
Accused Julie and Steven Beards who drugged, raped and killed Susan Whiting. (Photo: YouTube ScreenGrab)
On August 16, 2015, the duo again invited Susan to their home for another dinner and sleepover. As usual, Susan's mother was asked to pick her up the next afternoon. But when her mother reached the couple's home, she was told that Susan had already left.
When Susan failed to return home, a missing complaint was filed the following day. Police officers raided the couple's bungalow and were shocked to find Susan's body hidden under the bed, wrapped in a curtain.
Medical examination of Susan's corpse revealed that she died from head injuries and had been drugged and raped. Doctors told police that they found traces of hypnotic drug in her body, adding that there were bruises on her hands which suggested that she was handcuffed.
Post the couple's arrest, a trial of the case followed at the Leicester Crown Court where they were found guilty of manslaughter.
Although the accused have not revealed the motive behind Susan's murder, police officials suspect sexual abuse to be the reason behind it.
"From the moment Susan was reported missing our lives have been turned upside down. She was just 20 years old, an easy-going, loving young lady, enjoying her life. I know she was loved and will be missed by so many people,” Susan’s mother was quoted as saying.
