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Murdered grandmother's family offer £20k reward
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| Murder victim Georgina Edmonds |
SIX months since Georgina Edmonds was tortured and brutally murdered in her own home, a £20,000 reward has been put up in the hope of finally finding the elderly woman's killer.
Police believe the 77-year-old widow of Basingstoke coffee merchant Harry Edmonds was tortured for the pin number to her cash card at her home in Kiln Lane, Brambridge, near Eastleigh, on Friday, January 11, before being murdered.
A post mortem examination revealed Mrs Edmonds - whose son Harry still runs the family business, based in Paddington House, Basingstoke - died of extensive head injuries and also suffered other horrific injuries, including several stab wounds.
Hampshire Constabulary and Mrs Edmonds' family have now put up a £20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or people responsible for her death.
Mrs Edmonds' daughter, Doddie Edmonds, said: "I am still very shocked by what has happened. I could never have imagined such a terrible thing happening to my mother in her own little cottage."
She added: "Everyone has a mother or a grandmother, and I expect they can imagine how we as a family feel. If anyone has any information about who may be responsible, no matter how small, please contact the police."
As part of the six-month appeal for information, the last person to see Georgina Edmonds alive before the killer struck has also pleaded for people to come forward.
Hairdresser and friend for almost 30 years Sue Parrick said she had replayed their last meeting a number of times.
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| Friend Sue Parrick |
"We used to share recipes - she was good at anything really. The last time I saw her we talked about Christmas and the grandchildren, the usual things. There was nothing out of the ordinary that day.
"I can't believe that that was the last time I would ever see her."
Speaking of the moment she was told of the murder, she said: "I felt sick to be honest. Completely numb. I couldn't understand how someone could do this to an elderly lady, or another human being.
"I am just hoping that me coming forward will make somebody come forward with new information."
Mrs Parrick, 49, visited Mrs Edmonds every week since a hip operation made it difficult for the pensioner to visit her Chandler's Ford salon.
While she gave Mrs Edmonds, a grandmother of two, her shampoo and set, the pair talked of family news and exchanged recipes.
"She did take pride in the way she looked and was still active, although she didn't get out all that much. She was a very keen embroiderer and was very talented."
Making a personal appeal for anyone who may know the identity of the killer to come forward, Mrs Parrick, a grandmother of two herself, added: "She was a warm, bubbly person, always smiling. Please, please if anyone knows anything then come forward.
"The investigation will never stop, I am very hopeful they will find out who did this."
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Barton said: "We believe that the person responsible for Mrs Edmonds' death may have confessed to a friend or relative and we hope this reward will encourage them to come forward and do the right thing by giving their information to us."
Officers are also keen to trace a number of items taken from Mrs Edmonds' home on the day of the murder - including her handbag, a silver credit card holder, her cash card, cheque book and brightly-coloured key fob.
On Firday, July 11, appeals were sent directly to mobile phone users in the Brambridge area via bluetooth, with images and information about the case.
Chief Superintendent Peter Goodall said, so far in this investigation, 1,400 statements have been obtained, 2,000 vehicles have been checked and about 2,800 exhibits have been gathered.
Anyone with any information about this incident should contact the Operation Columbian investigation team, at Hulse Road, on 0845 045 4545.
10:18am Friday 11th July 2008
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