‘Barnes mystery’ of Attenborough garden skull solved
Julia Martha Thomas was killed by her maid, Kate Webster, but her head remained missing. The case became known as “the Barnes mystery”.
Alison Thompson said all of the evidence presented to her pointed to the body being that of Mrs Thomas, who was in her 50s. “This is a fascinating case and a good example of how good old-fashioned detective work, historical records and technological advances came together to solve the ‘Barnes mystery’,” said Ch Supt Clive Chalk.