Susan Whiting murder: West Midlands Police given more time to quiz man and woman over Bloxwich killing
West Midlands Police has been granted more time to question a man and a woman suspected of killing Susan Whiting after her body was found at a home in Bloxwich, Walsall. The 20-year-old college student was reported missing on Monday (17 August) when she failed to return from a friend's house in Heather Close, where she had stayed at the night before. Her parents went to collect her but raised the alarm later that afternoon.
An investigation was launched and enquiries were conducted at the house where she had stayed. During a full search 24 hours later a body was discovered and a 34-year-old man and 35-year-old woman were arrested. A post mortem examination will take place later today (20 August) to determine the precise cause of death.
Magistrates have granted detectives extra time to question the suspects, who are being held on suspicion of murder. The 36-hour custody extension granted by Birmingham Magistrates Court means that they can now be detained until 3pm on Friday (21 August).
As part of the investigation, West Midlands Police is searching its records for previously held information about the deceased and those arrested and whether there had been any contact between police and the deceased. Initial enquiries suggest that no concerns or issues had been raised. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been alerted to the investigation as required when a missing person is found deceased.
Anyone with information that may help the ongoing police investigation should call Force CID on 101. Details can also be relayed to officers anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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