A 36-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of her 70-year-old mother, following a tragic discovery in north-east London after the pair had been missing for several months.
Discovery and Charges
Lorna Nightingale was found dead at a property on Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow on December 11. Emergency services had been called to the address after reports that a woman was unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her daughter, Emma Nightingale, was subsequently arrested and charged with her murder. Emma, whose address was given in court as the same Blackhorse Road property, appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court on December 13 and was remanded into custody.
Months-Long Disappearance
The case follows a lengthy period where both women were reported missing. Lorna was last seen in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in February. Her daughter, Emma, was reported missing after vanishing from Colchester in June.
Police in Suffolk launched a major search for the pair on August 24. The operation involved multiple specialist units, including the County Policing Command, Missing Person Advisors, and the Technical Support, Surveillance, and Intelligence Units. They were assisted by several partner agencies and charities, including the British Transport Police.
Initially, police believed the mother and daughter might have been together in Essex, an area with which they were both connected, and expressed 'particular concerns' for their welfare.
From Found Safe to Fatal Outcome
In a twist during the investigation, both women were located and found 'safe and well' on September 30. However, the situation turned fatal weeks later.
While Lorna Nightingale's body was discovered on December 11, it is understood she could have died at any time after November 1.
Emma Nightingale is next due to appear at the Old Bailey in London on January 9 for a further hearing related to the murder charge.
