Man charged with murder of 86 year old woman in Somerset village

Beryl Purdy died in Broomfield near Bridgwater earlier this year

Beryl Purdy
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 20th Sep 2023
Last updated 20th Sep 2023

A man has been charged with the murder of an 86 year old woman in a village near Bridgwater in Somerset.

Beryl Purdy died on Monday 27th March this year.

Police say he's been charged after being released yesterday from a secure unit - having been sectioned under the mental health act.

Beryl was described as dearly loved by her family in a tribute released just days after her death at her home in the Broomfield area.

There's been an ongoing investigation ever since - leading to this major update.

36 year old David Parish has been accused of murder.

Avon and Somerset Police statement

Police were called to reports of a burglary in progress at Mrs Purdy's home at about 5.45pm on March 27. She was found seriously injured and died at the property.

A 36-year-old man has been charged following the death of an 86-year-old woman in March.

David Parish, of no fixed address, has been charged with the murder of Beryl Purdy who died in her home in Broomfield, near Bridgwater, on Monday 27 March.

Parish, who was initially sectioned under the Mental Health Act, has now been charged following his release from a secure mental health unit yesterday (Tuesday 19 September).

Detective Inspector Deb Hatch said: "This is a positive step in our investigation into the death of Beryl, known as Bez to her friends and family.

"Our thoughts remain with the family during this incredibly difficult time and they continue to be supported by a specially trained family liaison officer.

"We will continue to carry out our investigation and seek to provide the family with the justice they so rightly deserve. We hope this news will also be welcomed by the local community which we know Bez was a much-love member of."

In a statement, Mrs Purdy's family said: "As a family, we are devastated to have lost a dearly loved wife, mother and granny.

"Bez was a caring person who would help anyone in need and was very much part of the village, being a church warden for 20 years.

"We will miss her very much and we are all struggling to understand why this happened to such a lovely person."

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