Man pleads guilty to murdering sister in Whitehouse Meadows
Kevin Shepherd of Whitehouse Meadows, Leigh-on-Sea, pleaded guilty to the murder of his sister, Sharon Butler, 64
A man has pleaded guilty to murder, following the death of Sharon Butler, 64.
Kevin Shepherd of Whitehouse Meadows, Leigh-on-Sea, pleaded guilty to the murder of his sister, Sharon Butler, 64, when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court, ahead of a trial, on Tuesday 7 May.
The 55-year-old will now be sentenced at the same court on Monday, 13 May.
Last year, Kevin Shepherd called Essex Police’s Force Control Room shortly after 9pm on Tuesday 7 November, claiming he had fought with his sister and she was unconscious.
When officers arrived at Kevin Shepherd’s Whitehouse Meadows home, they found a seriously injured woman in the home’s garden, covered with a tarpaulin.
Officers found a knife in the front garden, stabbed into a plant pot.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Sharon Butler was declared dead at the scene and Kevin Shepherd was immediately arrested.
At the time of Sharon’s death, her family expressed their deep shock and paid tribute to her saying: “Our world has been shattered by the loss of our loving daughter and sister. Our lives will never be the same without her. She never will be forgotten and will be forever in our hearts.”
Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, who led the murder investigation, said: “My team of detectives have shown nothing but professionalism and dedication throughout this sensitive investigation to bring Kevin Shepherd to justice. He has admitted causing Sharon’s death and the court will determine the terms of his life sentence.
“My condolences and thoughts continue to remain with Sharon’s remaining family and friendship circle.”