Friend of Missing Chef Murdered by Abusive Partner

Lisa Welford, childhood best friend of missing chef Claudia Lawrence, was murdered by her abusive partner Vincent Morgan in the River Derwent, North Yorkshire. Morgan, who had a history of domestic violence and was on bail with orders to stay away from her, violated a domestic violence protection order to meet Welford on the day of her death. He drowned her, resulting in severe physical injuries and leading to her death from cardiac arrest. The murder left Joan Lawrence, Claudia's mother, devastated, highlighting the close bond between the two friends since childhood. Lisa's death underscores the ongoing issue of domestic violence and has left her family and friends in mourning. Morgan was found guilty of murder and assault and is set to be sentenced today.