Detectives investigating after human remains were found in a field in New Addington have named the man and woman charged with murder. Gemma Saundercock, 48. of Holmbury Grove, in Forestdale, Croydon and Steve Samson, 44, of Burnell Road, Sutton have been charged with the murder of Sarah Mayhew whose remains were found in Rowdowns Field in Croydon.
They will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 9, charged with murder and the prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a body. Samson has also been charged with three counts of making indecent images of a child. These charges are unconnected with the murder investigation at this stage.
The family of 38-year-old Sarah, who lived in Croydon, have been informed of the charges and officers remain in close contact as they support them through this extremely difficult time. Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, who leads policing in Croydon, said: “I would like to thank the detectives and officers across the Met Police whose expertise continues to enable this speedy and thorough investigation.
READ MORE: Murder probe launched after woman found stabbed to death in home as attacker still on the loose
“The local community has also offered much support during this time, as officers carried out this vital work, and we are very appreciative of their efforts. My sincere condolences are with Sarah’s family, and we will continue to support them as the investigation progresses.”
Met Police officers were alerted at 9am on Tuesday, April 2, when the first remains were discovered in the field running alongside Lodge Lane. An interactive map of Rowdown Fields showed where the police specialist teams were actively searching for evidence, along with the parts that were cordoned off. The police based their operation from the car park which is accessed from Lodge Lane near the end to the roundabout linking to Kent Gate Way.
Forensic officers were at the scene on Wednesday morning (April 3), as evidence markers were placed in an area near shrubs along the perimeter of the field. Police also used dogs in their efforts to comb the area on Thursday after Scotland Yard confirmed it had launched a murder investigation on Wednesday afternoon.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation who has yet to speak with police is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1656/02Apr.
If you knew Sarah and would like to pay tribute to her you can do so by emailing [email protected]
Get the biggest Croydon news, breaking updates and features straight to your inbox. Sign up to our Croydon Central newsletter here.
