Family members have consistently denied any involvement in the death of Mumtaz Member during the ongoing inquest. The investigation into the unsolved murder of the 56-year-old woman, who was found with severe injuries to her head, neck, and face in her home in Stoneygate, Leicester in December 2015, revealed no signs of a break-in or disturbance at the scene. Although her two sons and daughter-in-law were previously charged with her murder, the charges were later dropped in 2016 due to lack of sufficient evidence.
Retired Ch Supt Michael Graham assured the court that Leicestershire Police would diligently pursue any new leads that may arise as the inquest progressed. Witnesses have provided testimony during the inquest, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Member’s tragic death. Despite initial suspicions, no evidence of a clean-up, disturbance, or intruder was found at the family home.
The investigation has explored multiple scenarios, including the possibility that Mrs. Member was killed by someone in the house that evening, by a known individual, or by a third party. The presence of numerous individuals at the crime scene complicated the investigation, with challenges to maintaining the integrity of the evidence. The absence of recovered jewelry belonging to Mrs. Member became a critical focus for the police.
Efforts to collaborate with the family during the investigation were met with difficulties, as they were understandably traumatized by the events. Despite attempts to facilitate a walkthrough of the family home, logistical challenges and emotional barriers hindered progress in identifying missing items. The motive behind Mrs. Member’s murder remains unclear as the inquest continues to seek answers.
During the court hearing, it was revealed that no motive had been established for the crime. Mr. Graham informed the court that the police had implemented a media strategy to aid in the investigation, which included making public appeals. Although this generated some leads, none of the information gathered significantly progressed the investigation, he explained. The inquest is ongoing. For further updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. To share story ideas, contact eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or message via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. More details on this story can be found at the following links: HM Courts & Tribunals Service, Sons deny murdering mother in 2015 at inquest, Mum found dead in blood-splattered room – inquest, Paramedic led to ‘confusing’ scene as mum found dead.
