A 43-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with a crash that resulted in the death of an elderly pet shop owner and serious injuries to a teenage girl. The collision occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday on the B4696 near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire.
The driver of an orange Peugeot 107, identified as Barbara Mullaney, a grandmother in her 70s and owner of the local pet shop Animal Fayre, was pronounced dead at the scene. A teenage girl, a passenger in a black Vauxhall Astra, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a hospital, where she remains.
The driver of the Vauxhall, Anthony Howells, 43, was initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He has since been charged with murder, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, failing to stop after a collision, and failing to provide a specimen.
Howells, residing in Purton, appeared before Swindon Magistrates Court on Monday morning after receiving treatment for his injuries.
Tributes have been shared for Ms. Mullaney, who was a respected figure in the Wiltshire community and a supportive business neighbor. Her granddaughter, Molly, stated that she and her mother Jeanette would continue to operate the pet shop this week in Ms. Mullaney's honor, ensuring customers and their pets are cared for as she would have wished.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker described the murder charge as a significant development. Wiltshire Police have referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior involvement with the suspect. Authorities are appealing for witnesses, particularly those with dashcam footage from the Lydiard Plain area, Cricklade High Street, or Purton High Street on June 30, to come forward.