Man pleads guilty to five-day murder spree
Man pleads guilty to five-day murder spree when he killed 58-year-old woman, her 32-year-old son and another woman, 31
Suspect Anthony Russell was charged with triple murder after a manhunt Julie Williams, 58, and son David Williams, 32, were killed in October last year Nichola McGregor, 31, was then found dead in a park near Leamington days later
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A man has pleaded guilty to a horrific murder spree that saw him kill three people in five days.
Anthony Russell, 39, has admitted to murdering Julie Williams, 58, her son David Williams, 32, and Nicole McGregor, 31, in October 2020.
Ms Williams and her son were found dead in separate flats on in Bell Green, Coventry, just hours apart on October 25 and October 26 respectively.
Ms McGregor, 31, was found dead on Newbold Comyn in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, on October 29 that year.
The defendant was arrested in Rolleston-on-Dove, Staffordshire, on October 30 after a huge search effort by police.
Russell, of no fixed address, had previously admitted the manslaughter of all three victims.
He was due to go on trial at Warwick Crown Court today accused of three counts of murder before he changed his pleas to guilty.
Anthony Russell, 38, of Riley Square, Coventry, has pleaded guilty to a shocking triple murder
The body of David Williams (pictured left), 32, was discovered 24 hours after his mother Julie Williams (pictured right) was found dead in her flat in Coventry
Nichola McGregor, also known as Nicole, pictured with twin brother Adam, who paid a heartbreaking tribute to his sister on social media
The hunt came after the body of Mrs Williams, 58, was discovered at her flat at Emily Smith House, Riley Square. Pictured: Police at the scene
Russell will still stand trial today accused of rape.
The family of Nicole previously said: ‘We wish to thank people for their well wishes, Nicole will be greatly missed. We request to be left alone to grieve at this difficult time.’
Detective Inspector Jim Mahon who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the families of Julie, David and Nicole as they come to terms with the tragic circumstances of their deaths.
‘We want to thank everyone for their assistance with our appeals for information this week, we really appreciate it.
‘Our investigation continues and I would urge anyone with information who have not yet spoken to us, to get in touch.’
The twin brother of victim Nicole paid a heartbreaking tribute to his sister after police arrested the suspected killer.
Nichola’s twin, Adam McGregor, wrote: ‘Words can’t even express how I’m feeling at the minute. For the first time in my life I’m afraid of being alone more than ever. Fly high high darling twin. RIP twinnie look and watch over us all. Until we meet again.’
Miss McGregor, also known as Nicole, was previously on the run from police herself after she failed to appear in court for possessing a knife.
She had been wanted by British Transport Police after being charged with possession of an offensive weapon and fare evasion in July 2019.
In a lengthy post on her Facebook page in August, she wrote about trying to get her life back on track.
Nichola’s twin, Adam McGregor, wrote: ‘Words can’t even express how I’m feeling at the minute. For the first time in my life I’m afraid of being alone more than ever. Fly high high darling twin. RIP twinnie look and watch over us all. Until we meet again’
A map shows how the hunt for Anthony Russell (pictured inset on CCTV) played out as three victims were killed in the Midlands
She said: ‘New fresh start for me is a defo need to put my self first and concentrate on sorting my life out once and for all.
‘Hopefully fingers crossed I will have sum Wer else to live I need to put old and the bad negative sh*t behind me and start putting positive stuff first.
‘I just want to say iv got great support around me and good friends behind me hate all the false to face bull sh*t peace out lol love to all my children I missu all sooo much always in my heart my thoughts never forget.’
On her profile, she describes herself as ‘fun to be around, love having a good laugh with friends and spending time with my daughter Emilia.’
She states that she is a ‘full time yummy mummy’ and previously studied at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College.
Mr Williams, who was last seen on October 20 and reported missing on Saturday evening, was found dead at a nearby flat, also in Riley Square
In March, she wrote about missing her children and said: ‘Miss my babies so much with all that’s going on.
‘I hope that they are safe and well always on my mind in my heart and in my thoughts.
‘Mummy loves you both soooo much never forget how much you mean to me xxx’
Russell was discovered by officers on patrol in a red Ford C-Max – stolen in Leamington Spa on Wednesday afternoon – in a country lane in Rolleston-on-Dove at around 4am.
West Midlands Police launched a manhunt for Russell after the bodies of a mother and her son were found dead in flats in Coventry.
Julie Williams, 58, was found murdered just before 11pm on Sunday after concerns were raised about her welfare. Her 32-year-old son David was reported missing the day before and was found dead at around 11.30pm on Tuesday.
Two days later, police discovered the body of Miss McGregor.
Speaking about the deaths of Mr and Mrs Williams, Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, from West Midlands Police homicide team, said: ‘These deaths are very sad and my thoughts are with David and Julie’s family at this difficult time.
‘Our investigation continues at significant pace but we need to find Russell as soon as possible.
‘I’m urging anyone with information about where he is to get in touch with us straight away.’
