Lorna Nightingale, 70, was found dead at an address in Walthamstow, east London, on Thursday December 11 – her daughter, Emma Nightingale, has since been charged with her murder
A woman has been charged with the murder of her own mother after they both disappeared for months earlier this year.
Lorna Nightingale, 70, was reported missing after last being seen in Lowestoft in February, while her daughter, 36-year-old Emma Nightingale, was last seen in Colchester in June.
The disappearances, which took place four months and 65 miles apart, triggered the launch of an extensive search effort by police in Suffolk on August 24.
Though the pair were found “safe and well” on September 30, it has since emerged that Emma has been charged with the murder of her mother in London.
Emergency services were called to Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow, London, on December 11, following reports that a woman was unresponsive.
Lorna was pronounced dead at the scene, but it is understood that she could have died anytime between November 1 and December 11.
Emma, whose address was given in court as Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow, was remanded into custody before appearing at Thames Magistrates’ Court on December 13.
She is due to appear in court again at the Old Bailey in London on January 9.
During their search for the Nightingales, which spanned more than a month, police received support from the County Policing Command, Missing Person Advisors, Technical Support Unit, Surveillance Unit and Intelligence Unit.
Several partner agencies and charities also assisted, including the British Transport Police. When the search was first launched, police believed the family members may have been together in Essex, an area to which they are both said to be connected.
“Particular concerns” were raised for the women’s welfare at the time.
