Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Brexit Party MEP, who was found dead at her home in Devon on July 9. Kerry, from Rotherham, is in police custody and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Detectives believe Widdecombe, 78, was killed around 12:30 p.m. on July 8, shortly after conducting a television interview. Her body was discovered at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, having suffered severe injuries. Initially, Devon and Cornwall Police considered the possibility that she had disturbed a burglar, but counter-terrorism officers have since taken over the investigation.
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, stated that prosecutors decided to charge Kerry with murder after a thorough police investigation. "Police enquiries into the defendant's motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection," Ferguson said. "Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses."
The investigation into Widdecombe's death took a turn when Kerry was re-arrested two days after his initial arrest on suspicion of murder. He was subsequently detained on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Counter Terrorism Policing South East confirmed that new information prompted them to lead the inquiry. The force has stated that they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the case.
Widdecombe's final communications are believed to provide a timeline for the attack. She was engaged in a WhatsApp conversation with a Channel 5 TV executive regarding her scheduled appearance on the show "Matt Allwright" on July 8. The exchange, which occurred between 12:14 p.m. and 12:19 p.m., ended abruptly. Her last message at 12:19 p.m. read, "Received! Panic over!!" A read receipt indicated she saw a response sent at 12:19 p.m., but she did not read subsequent messages. Attempts by the producer to contact her were unsuccessful.
Kerry, a former maintenance scheduler for a lift firm, lived alone in Rotherham following his father's death. Neighbors described him as polite, quiet, and shy, having previously assisted them with tasks like taking out bins or holding parcels. He was arrested on July 11 at his home in South Yorkshire.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Kent from 1987 to 2010 and held several ministerial positions under Sir John Major. She later became an MEP for the Brexit Party and served as the immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK. She also made television appearances on "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother."
A hearing to open an inquest into her death is scheduled for Tuesday at County Hall in Exeter.