A 36-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of her own mother, bringing a tragic conclusion to a case that began with the pair's mysterious disappearance earlier this year.
Months-Long Disappearance Preceded Discovery
The case centres on Lorna Nightingale, 70, and her daughter, Emma Nightingale, 36. Lorna was last seen in Lowestoft in February, while Emma was last sighted in Colchester in June. Their separate vanishings, occurring four months and roughly 65 miles apart, prompted a major police investigation.
On August 24, Suffolk Police launched an extensive search operation. The effort involved multiple specialist units, including the Missing Person Advisors, Technical Support Unit, and the Surveillance Unit, with assistance from the British Transport Police and other agencies. Initially, authorities believed the two might have been together in Essex.
From 'Safe and Well' to a Murder Charge
In a surprising turn, both women were located and confirmed to be "safe and well" on September 30. However, the situation took a dark turn months later.
On Thursday, December 11, emergency services were called to an address on Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow, east London, following reports of an unresponsive woman. Lorna Nightingale was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem investigation indicated she could have died anytime between November 1 and December 11.
Court Appearances and Ongoing Investigation
Emma Nightingale, whose address was given in court as Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow, was subsequently charged with her mother's murder. She was remanded into custody and made her first court appearance at Thames Magistrates' Court on December 13.
She is next scheduled to appear for a hearing at the Old Bailey in London on January 9. The police investigation, which transitioned from a missing persons inquiry to a murder probe, continues as authorities work to establish the full circumstances leading to Lorna Nightingale's death.
