A 45-year-old man has been charged with murdering his new bride after her body was found dumped in a suitcase.
Dawn Walker, 52, of Halifax, was found dead in a suitcase in the village of Lightcliffe, three miles east of Halifax, West Yorkshire, on Sunday. Friends described her as kind, caring and friendly and said she had married Thomas Nutt just four days earlier.
West Yorkshire police said Nutt, 45, of Shirley Grove, Lightcliffe, had been charged with Walker’s murder and he was due to appear before magistrates in Bradford.
Walker’s family said in a statement released by police: “We write this with a very heavy heart that yesterday we lost a loving daughter, mother, nanna, sister, auntie and friend. In circumstances beyond our control, you were taken from us so suddenly. We ask at this time as a family, that you respect our privacy and allow us to grieve.”
Walker’s daughter Codie-Marie Shaw posted on Facebook: “Words can’t describe our pain right now. RIP Mum.”
George Robinson, who represents the Hipperholme and Lightcliffe ward on Calderdale council, said: “This is devastating news for our community. On behalf of everyone in the ward, our thoughts and prayers go out to those that have lost their loved one. This is all very raw, and it would be improper to speculate on the circumstances.”
Robinson said he had contacted the council and police to ask what plans there were to engage and support the local community. “I’ve also asked if the local schools have been briefed and how our young people will be supported,” he said. “We’re a close-knit community in Lightcliffe, and it’s an upsetting time for everyone. Please do check in on your neighbours to ensure they are OK.”
