Two Charged With Murder Of Walsall Woman

Detectives investigating the death of Susan Whiting have charged a man and a woman with her murder.

Steven Beard, 34 of Rowland Avenue, Bentley and Julie Beard, 35 of Heather Close, Dudley Fields were charged this afternoon and will appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Saturday 22 August.

Susan was reported missing on Monday 17 August after she had spent the night at a friend's house, but was not there when her mother went to collect her.

The pair were arrested on Tuesday 18 August following the discovery of Susan's body at a house on Heather Close.

A post-mortem revealed that Susan died from head injuries. 

The 20-year-old was a hospitality and catering student at Walsall Adult and Community College, whose principal Jev Bhalla praised her as a young woman growing in confidence.

Mr Bhalla said: "She was a cheerful member of the college community. She was making great academic progress.''

Susan's family continue to be supported by specialist officers and have asked that the media respect their privacy at this time.