A 61-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a woman who suffered "stab wounds" and died following a car crash. Clifford Foster appeared at Newport Magistrates' Court on Friday, facing the charge in relation to the death of Eleanor Barnfield, 47.
Police were called to a crash on Coity Road in Bridgend on Monday, where they discovered Barnfield had sustained "puncture wounds unrelated to the collision." The BBC understands these injuries were consistent with a stabbing.
Foster, of Ger-y-Nant, was arrested on Tuesday at the Ger-y-Nant retirement housing complex, which is located near where the crash occurred and where Barnfield was employed. The arrest followed a 12-hour standoff involving specially trained firearm officers at the complex.
During his court appearance, Foster, who used a crutch to support himself, spoke only to confirm his name, age, and address. He was wearing a grey tracksuit.
Misleading rumors circulated online suggesting Barnfield had been driving herself to the hospital due to ambulance wait times. However, the Welsh Ambulance Service (WAS) denied these claims on Thursday. WAS stated that medics were dispatched to the crash scene seven minutes after the initial call and that two emergency ambulances arrived shortly thereafter. The service described the social media speculation as "contradictory" and "factually untrue," urging the public not to speculate.
In a tribute, Barnfield's family described her as the "kindest, most loving, bravest person in the world." They added, "She meant everything to us and will be forever loved and missed deeply by her devoted family and friends. She was our rock."
Police confirmed that the murder is not being investigated as a domestic incident. Foster has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on October 26.