Just three days before Christmas 2023, a woman and her dogs were killed in an alleged hit-and-run in East London. Eighteen-months later, the main suspect is still behind the wheel. Marie Theobald, 48, from Hainault, was out with Riley and Honey when she was hit by a car, believed to be a white Seat Leon, on Manford Way in Chigwell on December 22, 2023. The driver failed to stop, police have said.
Shortly after the crash, the suspect car was located nearby and a man was arrested and taken into custody. A medical autopsy later confirmed Marie’s cause of death as severe traumatic head and spinal injuries. Though an inquest has been opened, a full inquest has twice been adjourned while the criminal investigation remains ongoing with no charging decision.
Following a recent hearing, Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine wrote a prevention of future deaths report to the Met Police to express his concern about the long delay. The Met says a complex investigation is still ongoing and the family are being supported.
“Ms Theobald was killed over 18 months ago,” wrote Mr Irvine in his report. “Delays in the criminal investigation mean that an identified suspect is neither subject to conditional bail, driving disqualification nor are they remanded in custody.
“The absence of these measures means that a risk of further fatal harm exists.”
After her death, Marie’s family said: “Marie was a loving mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend. Marie was an honest, hardworking, selfless woman who would do anything for anyone. Marie always put others first.
“The dogs Riley and Honey were much loved members of the family. They adored Marie as she adored them. May they all rest in perfect peace together.”
Anyone with information and any witnesses yet to speak with police are asked to call 101, ref CAD 5312/22dec. To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers.
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