A 92-year-old Exeter man has appeared at court charged with murdering his wife. Laurence Billam, of Millbrook Lane, is accused of killing 87-year-old Shirley Billam.
She was found dead at a property in Millbrook Lane on April 19.
The defendant appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon via a video link from a hospital bed.
He spoke to confirm his name and age. The defendant, represented by solicitor Katrina Byrne, was not required to enter a plea and the case was sent to crown court.
Shirley Billam, 87.(Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)
The court heard some brief details of the alleged murder. The prosecution say the defendant killed his wife by suffocation at a property in Edwards Court.
Magistrates adjourned the case to Wednesday, April 29, for a hearing at the crown court in Exeter.
Devon and Cornwall Police have said officers called to a concern for the welfare of a woman at the address at around 12.40pm. Mrs Billam was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police were seen carrying out investigations at Edwards Court, a 53-apartment extra care housing facility.
Police said Mrs Billam’s family continues to be supported by specialist officers.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “A man has been charged with murder following the death of an 87-year-old woman in Exeter.
“Officers were called to Millbrook Lane at around 12.40pm on Sunday 19 April following reports of a concern for welfare.
“Emergency services attended where a woman was discovered deceased at the property.
“The woman has since been named as Shirley Billam. Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.”