Human remains found in a field have been confirmed as that of missing woman Julie Buckley – last seen alive eight months ago.
Karl Hutchings, 48, pleaded guilty at Cambridge Crown Court last week to the murder of Ms Buckley, but at the time of his plea, her body had yet to be found.
Police launched a “no body” murder investigation back in February after finding blood at her home in Christchurch, near Wisbech – and on Wednesday, police confirmed that remains found in Wimblington, Cambridgeshire, were in fact those of the 55-year-old.
It came after Hutchings’ defence team gave information to police about a potential burial site in the area.
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Detective Chief Inspector Richard Stott of Cambridgeshire Police, said: “Julie’s family have been made aware of the post-mortem results, which were inconclusive on the cause of death, and are being supported by specially trained officers.
“Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”
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Police believe Hutchings killed Ms Buckley on 30 January this year, then used her bank cards and sold possessions.
Officers from three forces had worked together to try to find her after she went missing, but eventually declared the case a ‘no body’ murder investigation.
Hutchings is next due in court on 24 October.
