Pensioner Dies in Custody After Murder Charge

Surendra Patel, a 78-year-old pensioner charged with murdering a woman in her 70s, died in custody at HMP Hewell on October 31. His death occurred following an incident on October 8, when police discovered the woman's body at a property in Rugby, prompting a murder investigation that is now concluded. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate his death as per standard procedure. Concurrently, in Bexleyheath, another pensioner, Brian James, has been charged with the murder of Carol James, 81, who died at the scene of a reported emergency on November 15. James is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on November 20. Both cases highlight the ongoing concerns regarding violence among the elderly and the tragic outcomes for families involved.