Man charged with murder after Rita Fleming, 70, found dead at Kensington home

Lydia Chantler-Hicks

4 July 2024 at 12:17 pm·1-min read

Rita Fleming was found dead inside her home in Kensington (Metropolitan Police)

A man has been charged with the murder of 70-year-old Rita Fleming in Kensington.

Ms Fleming was found dead at her home in Golborne Road on Sunday, June 23.

Clifford Cowen, 57, of Kensington Park Gardens in Notting Hill was on Thursday charged with her murder, Scotland Yard revealed.

Cowen was initially arrested on June 23, said police, and was bailed “while further enquiries were carried out”.

He was due to appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on Friday.

A Met spokesperson said Cowen and Ms Fleming were known to one another.

“Her next of kin have been informed and continue to be supported by specially trained officers,” they added.

Officers forced entry to Ms Fleming’s property around 9.45am on June 23, and discovered her body.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and a post-mortem examination was carried out.Police initially said Ms Fleming’s death was being treated as “unexpected and unexplained”, and appealed for the public for help putting together “as comprehensive a picture as possible” about Ms Fleming’s movements in the days before she was found.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.

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