A man has been charged with the murder of a 79-year-old pensioner in Witham, Essex.
Thomas Collier was discovered at a residence on Philip Road on 8 January with a suspected head injury. Despite being rushed to hospital, he tragically passed away.
Essex Police confirmed that 41-year-old Jimmy Collier, who resides at the same address, has been charged with murder.
He appeared before magistrates on Friday and is scheduled for a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on 20 January.
Witham, a historic market town in Essex, has been left shaken by this tragic incident. The quiet residential street of Philip Road, typically known for its close-knit community, has become the focus of a high-profile investigation.
Such violent crimes are rare in this area, amplifying the shock among local residents.
Detective Inspector Richard Canning, the senior investigating officer, stated, “We’ve had a dedicated team of officers investigating this incident since it was first reported to us.
“A grieving family coming to terms with the awful circumstances of this matter remain at the heart of our investigation.”
The police have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community. A visible police presence has been maintained in the area to provide reassurance to residents.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation while the judicial process unfolds, respecting the sensitivity of the situation for the grieving family.
Forensic teams have conducted a thorough examination of the scene, and additional inquiries are ongoing to gather further evidence.
Jimmy Collier remains in custody as the legal process moves forward. Further updates are expected following the court appearance.
