Two charged with murder after Julia Rawson disappearance
Two men have been charged with murder after the disappearance of a woman in the Black Country.
Julia Rawson, 42, has been missing from her home in Green Park Road, in the Kates Hill area of Dudley, since May 12.
But detectives investigating the disappearance believe she died, despite not finding a body.
Nathan Maynard-Ellis, was arrested in the Dudley area on Wednesday – initially held on kidnap, and then on suspicion of murder.
The 28-year-old, of Mission Drive, Dudley Port in Tipton, was charged yesterday with murder and will appear before Walsall Magistrates' Court today. (MON)
David Leesley was arrested on Friday in Dudley on suspicion of assisting an offender, and then later rearrested on suspicion of murder.
The 23-year-old, of Dereton Close, Russells Hall, has also been charged with murder and is appearing at the same hearing.
A major investigation was underway on Sunday, with West Midlands Police searching a property on Mission Drive and a nearby canal.
The force is continuing to search the property as part of the investigation.
Julia's family have been kept informed of the latest developments.
Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, leading the investigation, said: “Extensive enquiries have led us to the strong belief that Julia has died.
“We are still working to establish the full circumstances around her disappearance, and our thoughts are with her family at what is a very traumatic time for them.”
Julia is described as 6ft tall with short tousled hair and was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt, grey zip-fronted hooded top, with dark grey jeans and a black and white shoulder bag.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact officers via Live Chat, at west-midlands.police.uk, via 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
