Four Met Police officers are under investigation for misconduct after the murders of Naomi Hunte and Fiona Holm by Carl Cooper, who had previously been reported for violent behavior.
BollywoodFever: Four Metropolitan Police officers are facing a misconduct investigation following the tragic murders of Naomi Hunte, 41, and Fiona Holm, 48, by Carl Cooper, a man they had previously arrested but not charged.
Cooper, 66, was sentenced to life imprisonment in July 2024 for the murders of the two women, both of whom had reported his violent behavior to the police in the past.
Both victims had been in relationships with Cooper at different times and had experienced violence at his hands.
Fiona Holm reported an assault by Cooper to the police in April 2023, but despite being arrested, he was not charged at that time.
Her body remains undiscovered, with authorities believing she was murdered in June 2023, just two months after her complaint.
A review of the investigation revealed that a more thorough examination of the case might have identified key witnesses and stronger evidence, potentially leading to charges against Cooper before her death.
Naomi Hunte, who was found stabbed to death on Valentine’s Day 2022 in her southeast London home, had made multiple domestic abuse reports to the police in 2020 and 2021, describing Cooper as “obsessed” with her. During one call in June 2021, she told officers, “He stalks me and I’m really scared now.”
The Metropolitan Police acknowledged mistakes in handling the cases, with Met Police Commander Paul Brogden expressing deep regret and offering sincere condolences to the families of both women.
“We have always been clear that we made mistakes when dealing with allegations against Carl Cooper. For those mistakes, we are extremely sorry,” Brogden said.
The investigation into the officers’ conduct is being led by the Met’s directorate of professional standards, with the Independent Office for Police Conduct overseeing the case.
While the investigation was recommended to be handled locally, the watchdog will review its findings.
The case has drawn significant attention, as Carl Cooper has yet to reveal the location of Fiona Holm’s body, leaving her family without closure.
The police continue their efforts to find her remains so that her family can lay her to rest.
During Cooper’s sentencing, Mr. Justice Johnson condemned his actions, stating that Cooper had been a “great danger to women” throughout his life, with a long history of controlling and coercive behavior toward his female partners.
Also Read Other Articles, Teen in Coma After 100mph Hit-and-Run Crash in Bradford, Undergoes Life-Saving Surgery
Brazil Considers Reinstating Daylight Saving Time Amidst Drought to Save Energy
Greece’s Wildfires Ignite Debate Over Reforestation Amidst Growing Climate Concerns
Multi-Car Crash Blocks Eastbound Platte Near Murray Intersection in Colorado Springs
Lebanese Authorities Ban Walkie-Talkies and Pagers on Flights After Deadly Hezbollah Attack