Man Charged in Dartmouth Axe Attack; Victim Identified
A 38-year-old man has been charged with murder following a fatal incident in Dartmouth, Devon, where a 46-year-old woman was found dead.
Luke Rigby, 38, of Dartmouth, faces charges of murder and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm after emergency services discovered Rebecca Grass, 46, deceased at a property in the seaside town. Police were called to the scene at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday.
Rigby is also charged with three additional offenses: assault by beating, a racially aggravated public order offense, and assault on an emergency worker. He is currently in police custody and is scheduled to appear before Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the suspected weapon or the motive behind the killing. However, neighbors reported seeing an individual with an axe in the vicinity around the time of the incident. One local business owner stated that townspeople were discussing the victim being struck with an axe.
The victim, Rebecca Grass, was known to friends and family as Bex. Her son, Reece Romeril, established a GoFundMe page to cover funeral costs, describing his mother as "the kindest of souls." In a tribute, he expressed his devastation and shock at the brutal nature of the attack.
During the incident, a man in his 40s was transported to the hospital with facial injuries.
Residents described a significant emergency service presence in the town on Tuesday night, with police cars and an ambulance racing through the narrow streets. One witness reported nearly being hit by a speeding white van followed by police vehicles.
Family members of Ms. Grass have been notified and are receiving support from trained officers.