Devon murder: Police probe link between killing of 73-year-old man and suspected suicide
Dead body found in car five miles from where pensioner was stabbed to death
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Detectives investigating the murder of a 73-year-old man in Devon are exploring a possible link between the “random” stabbing attack and a suspected suicide.
A manhunt was launched after the pensioner was stabbed multiple times on the doorstep of his home on Chockland Road in Kingsteignton.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the victim was found fatally injured at around 9.20pm on Sunday and taken to hospital in Torbay, where he was pronounced dead.
The force revealed the body of a man was found dead inside a car near Labrador Bay in Shaldon – around five miles from Kingsteignton – on Monday morning.
Detective superintendent Mike West, head of major crime and serious and organised crime, said police were “investigating the link between this and the incident in Chockland Road, Kingsteignton”.
DS West said: “Late this morning we were also made aware of a body of a man found deceased within a car near Labrador Bay, Shaldon.
“This death is not currently being treated as suspicious and we are responding to the incident as a suspected suicide. The police are currently investigating the link between this and the incident in Chockland Road, Kingsteignton.
“At this time we are appealing for witnesses and we would like to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of Chockland Road between midday Sunday 9 June and midnight. We are also keen to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of Labrador Bay in Shaldon and saw a Blue Skoda Fabia between midday Sunday 9 June and 11am today, Monday 10 June.”
It is understood Sunday evening’s attack was witnessed by a family member. His next of kin have been informed of his death and are being supported by specialist liaison officers, police said.
Speaking to the DevonLive website, Mr West said there was no indication that the incident involved a group of people or was related to drug activity.
He added: “There’s every indication at the moment and the evidence that’s been collated to date to say that it’s a random attack.”
Superintendent for South Devon, Jeremy Capey, added: “Understandably, this incident will cause much concern and upset amongst our local community.
“Our thoughts go out to the victim’s family during this time and we will continue to support them, providing as much assistance as we can. A number of police officers and specialist resources will remain visible at the scene and around the wider Kingsteignton area as officers continue to investigate this heinous crime.”
A neighbour of the victim, who did not want to be named, earlier said: “It’s just awful. We’re not just neighbours, we’re all friends down here. There’s only a few houses in this little close. It’s only a tiny road but we know nothing.”
Anyone with any details that could assist police with their investigation is asked to call 101 or email 101dc.police.uk quoting log number 836, 9 June.
Additional reporting by agencies