A homeless man accused of murdering a woman and her 13-year-old son has made his first crown court appearance.
Aaron Barley, 23, who is charged with murdering Tracey and Pierce Wilkinson at their home in Stourbridge, West Midlands, was remanded in custody after a seven-minute hearing at Birmingham crown court.
Barley, wearing a grey round-necked T-shirt and dark trousers, sat near a female security officer for part of the hearing before a second officer entered the glass-fronted dock.
Barley faces a further allegation of attempting to murder Peter Wilkinson, 47, the victims’ husband and father at their home in Greyhound Lane, Stourbridge.
Barley was remanded in custody at Birmingham magistrates court on Saturday after appearing with his right arm in a sling alongside two dock officers wearing protective helmets.
No bail application was made at Monday’s hearing and Barley, of no fixed address, was told he would reappear at the crown court on a date to be fixed. He was not asked to enter any pleas.
On Sunday Lydia Wilkinson, Tracey’s daughter and Pierce’s sister, visited the family home to lay flowers in their memory. Lydia, 18, was comforted by her boyfriend and his parents as she read dozens of message cards on floral tributes left by friends and well-wishers.
After her visit Lydia, a student at Bristol University, issued a statement paying tribute to her mother and brother. She also confirmed that the man accused of their murders had been helped by the family in the past year.
The statement read: “Our family are devastated at the loss of Tracey and Pierce. They were extremely loved by all of their family and friends.
“Pierce was a fun-loving, friendly and happy boy, who loved computer games and made everyone smile. Tracey was loving, caring and a wonderful mother and daughter. Always putting others before herself.
“The family did not provide refuge for homeless people and Aaron Barley had never lived at the family home but had been assisted by the family in the past 12 months.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the emergency services, and to thank hospital staff for their excellent care. We would appreciate privacy and respect during this distressing time.”
Tracey Wilkinson, 50, was pronounced dead at her home after suffering stab injuries, while her son died after being taken to hospital.
They were found injured when emergency services attended their home at about 8am on Thursday.
