A man has been murdered by his neighbour in a shocking crime that saw the killer subsequently spend the victim's benefits money before the body was discovered.
Landlady's Tragic Discovery
Tragic Anthony Sharma, aged 43, was discovered dead by his HMO landlady more than a day after being killed by fellow tenant Diogo Bettencourt. The horrific find occurred at the House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) where both men resided as neighbours.
The Crime and Aftermath
Following the murder, Bettencourt reportedly accessed and spent Sharma's benefits payments before the crime came to light. The sequence of events reveals a chilling timeline where the victim lay deceased while his killer continued daily activities, including financial transactions using the deceased's funds.
The murder occurred before the landlady made her grim discovery, with more than 24 hours passing between the killing and the body being found. This delay allowed Bettencourt opportunity to access and utilise Sharma's financial resources.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing their investigation into this disturbing case that highlights vulnerabilities within shared accommodation settings. The use of benefits money following the violent crime adds a particularly callous dimension to this tragedy.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of community safety and regular welfare checks, particularly in HMO properties where tenants may live in relative isolation from one another.
