Pictured: Pair accused of murdering Halesowen pensioner Cynthia Beamond
A man has appeared in court today charged with the murder of Halesowen pensioner Cynthia Beamond and that of a man in London who was found dead hours later.
Leo Barnes, 32, and Chantelle Moran-Stokes, 24, have both been accused of the murder of Mrs Beamond.
They appeared before Dudley Magistrates Court today at a six-minute hearing. They were remanded in custody and will appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday.
Moran-Stokes, of Latches Close, Darlaston, and her co-accused were arrested on Sunday morning and charged last night.
Mrs Beamond's body was found concealed at her house in Juliet Road, Howley Grange, Halesowen, on Sunday evening. She died as a result of serious head injuries.
Barnes, of Runcorn Road, Balsall Heath, has also been charged with a second murder in London on Saturday at sheltered flats in Belsize Park, north London, where the body of 67-year-old Philip Silverstone, was found on Monday morning.
Reports say the "gentle" pensioner, who was stabbed to death, was a devoted husband to his ailing wife.
Hava Osman, from Highbury, was a neighbour of Mr Silverman and his wife Mary until they moved into the OAPs' home ten years ago.
She told the London Evening Standard: "I remember Phil and Mary well, we were friends. I can't see how anyone could hurt him because he was so gentle and cheerful. I'm really shocked, I can't get over it."
Ms Osman told the paper she believed that Mr Silverstone was retired and had devoted himself to the full time care of his wife, who suffered stomach problems.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Police were called at around 10.35am on Monday following concern for the occupants of a flat.
"Mr Silverstone was suffering what were believed to be stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene."
Cynthia Beamond's silver Vauxhall Astra was missing after she disappeared on Friday, and police were desperate to locate it.
Officers found the T-registration vehicle in Druids Heath, Birmingham, just before 3pm on Tuesday following a report from a member of the public.
The car was recovered and is currently being examined.
West Midlands Police spokesman Lee Page said: "West Midlands Police is working with the Metropolitan Police Service on this joint investigation and both forces have continued to update the families of Mrs Beamond and Mr Silverstone throughout."
