Suspect, 66, appears in court over one of Britain’s longest-unsolved double killings

Suspect, 66, appears in court over one of Britain’s longest-unsolved double killings when two women were attacked 33 years ago in the ‘Bedsit Murders’

  • David Fuller appeared at magistrates’ court charged with two counts of murder 
  • It relates to 1987 deaths of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce in Tunbridge Wells
  • Both women were sexually assaulted, beaten and strangled just months apart
  • Deaths became known as Bedsit murders and a huge investigation was launched

A man will appear at crown court charged with the murders of two women who were killed in Kent more than three decades ago.

David Fuller, 66, from Heathfield, East Sussex, has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce in 1987.

He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court this morning where he spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

He did not give pleas to the charges and the case has been committed to Maidstone Crown Court, where Fuller is due to appear on Tuesday. 

The victims, both in their 20s, were sexually assaulted before being beaten and strangled just months apart in what became known as the Bedsit murders.  

Wendy, 25, was found dead in June in her flat in Tunbridge Wells five months before Caroline, 20, was found dead in a remote field on Romney Marsh.  

David Fuller from Heathfield, East Sussex, has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce (pictured) in 1987

David Fuller from Heathfield, East Sussex, has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce (pictured) in 1987

David Fuller from Heathfield, East Sussex, has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce (pictured) in 1987 

Wendy, 25, (pictured) was found dead in June in her flat in Tunbridge Wells five months before Caroline, 20, was found dead in a remote field on Romney Marsh

Wendy, 25, (pictured) was found dead in June in her flat in Tunbridge Wells five months before Caroline, 20, was found dead in a remote field on Romney Marsh

Wendy, 25, (pictured) was found dead in June in her flat in Tunbridge Wells five months before Caroline, 20, was found dead in a remote field on Romney Marsh

Despite a huge investigation at the time, no one has faced justice for more than three decades. 

The young women were living a mile apart in Tunbridge Wells at the time when they were targeted and murdered.

Wendy was found dead in her bedsit on June 23, 1987, after being sexually assaulted, beaten and strangled.

Wendy (pictured) was found dead in her bedsit on June 23, 1987, after being sexually assaulted, beaten and strangled. She was left naked on her bed covered by a duvet

Wendy (pictured) was found dead in her bedsit on June 23, 1987, after being sexually assaulted, beaten and strangled. She was left naked on her bed covered by a duvet

Wendy (pictured) was found dead in her bedsit on June 23, 1987, after being sexually assaulted, beaten and strangled. She was left naked on her bed covered by a duvet 

She had left work at about 5pm the previous day and went home after going to the bank.

After spending the evening at her boyfriend’s house, he dropped her home at 11pm and kissed her goodbye on the doorstep.

Alerted by her boss that she hadn’t turned up work the next morning, he went round to find her battered body.

Officers believe Caroline was killed on November 24, 1987, after she was also sexually assaulted, beaten and strangled.

Her naked body was found three weeks later by a farm worker in the dyke of a remote field on the Romney Marsh – some 40 miles away from her home.

She was last seen at about midnight being taken home by a taxi after a night out with friends. 

Pictured: Wendy Knell who was killed in 1987 in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Pictured: Wendy Knell who was killed in 1987 in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Pictured: Wendy Knell who was killed in 1987 in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Pictured: Pam and Bill Knell the parents of Wendy Knell whose case has been unsolved since 1987

Pictured: Pam and Bill Knell the parents of Wendy Knell whose case has been unsolved since 1987

Pictured: Pam and Bill Knell the parents of Wendy Knell whose case has been unsolved since 1987

Assistant chief constable Tracey Harman, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: ‘Whilst more than three decades have passed since these murders took place, I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how minor or insignificant it may appear to be, to contact us.’ 

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