A man has been charged with preventing a lawful burial after Pepita Sakirecili, also known as Pepita Garcia, 75, was discovered dead at home in January, five months after a taxi driver showed concern for her welfare
Detectives have launched an urgent appeal to trace a concerned taxi driver who may have filmed an elderly woman five months before she was found dead at her home.
Pepita Sakirecili, also known as Pepita Garcia, was discovered by officers after they forced their way into her property on January 13. The 75-year-old is believed to have passed away at an unspecified time “before Christmas”, police said. Her cause of death has not yet been ascertained. A 40-year-old man has been charged with preventing a lawful burial. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last month.
But detectives continue to investigate and are keen to trace a taxi driver who is understood to have dropped Pepita off at her home in August and witnessed her struggling to carry building supplies she’d bought. Det Insp Hart, of the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Unit, also appealed for anyone who knew the pensioner and could provide a background of her life to get in touch.
Anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage, taken in Reynardson Road between 16 October and 31 January, is urged to come forward. Mr Hart said: “Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Pepita’s death and we are appealing for information from anyone who knew Pepita. I am particularly keen to trace a taxi driver who drove Pepita to the address in Reynardson Road in August 2024 and witnessed Pepita struggling to lift plywood and other building supplies that she had bought.
“We believe the driver was concerned about her welfare and may have recorded Pepita on their mobile phone.” Mr Hart said he would like to hear from “anyone who may be able to provide any background on her life”. He added: “We would like to build a picture as to what may have happened to Pepita. We are also appealing for anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage, taken in Reynardson Road between 16, October 2024 and 31, January, to contact police.”
Anyone with information or footage can visit the following this link . To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
