Man charged with murder of Telford teenager Georgia Williams
Detectives have this afternoon charged a man with murdering Telford teenager Georgia Williams – as they revealed a body had been found.
Jamie Reynolds, 22, has been charged with the missing 17-year-old's murder.
Superintendent Nav Malik told a press conference in Wellington a body had been found in Wrexham.
They are carrying out a full investigation but say early indications are that it is that of Georgia's.
Mr Malik said they had discovered evidence yesterday afternoon that Georgia had died at an address in Wellington.
This afternoon detectives said they had a breakthrough in the case and had been searching woodland near her home.
Police investigated what they called a 'potentially significant sighting' of the van driven by Reynolds.
Officers and police dogs have been painstakingly searching undergrowth in Ercall Wood, close to the Wrekin and to her Wellington home.
Speaking outside Wellington Police Station at 5.45pm, Superintendent Nav Malik said:
"I can confirm that 22-year-old Jamie Reynolds from Wellington has been charged with the murder of Georgia Williams. He will now be appearing at Telford Magistrates' Court first thing tomorrow morning.
"Investigators have worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service throughout this enquiry and today Philip Beardwell - Crown Advocate from West Midlands CPS - has advised West Mercia Police that there is sufficient evidence, and it is in the public interest, to charge Jamie Reynolds with the murder of Georgia Williams.
"During our enquiries, sadly, late yesterday afternoon new evidence came to light that proved Georgia was deceased and that she died at an address in Wellington. For obvious legal reasons, particularly to ensure that future court proceedings are not jeopardised, we are not able to reveal further information about this evidence at this time.
"However, I can now confirm that the body of a female was found earlier this afternoon – at around 2pm - in woodland off the Nant-y-Garth pass near Wrexham. The body has not yet been formally identified but early indications suggest that the discovery relates to our investigation into the disappearance of Georgia Williams.
"Georgia's family have been kept fully informed of all the recent developments and this has only added to the devastation they are feeling about this week's events. I would like to ask that their privacy is respected so that they can attempt to come to terms with the events of the past few days.
"Although all investigations of this nature are extremely difficult, it is fair to say that this case has proved particularly challenging for all the officers and staff involved.
"We are totally committed to every investigation we launch but dealing with events that directly affect a colleague and fellow member of the policing family – especially one that many of us know so well - is unusual and has proved extremely tough and emotional for everyone.
"Although there is much more work to do on this case, I would like to thank the whole investigative team for all their efforts up to this point, especially in what have been very trying circumstances.
"Finally, on behalf of the investigative team, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that came forward with information as a result of our appeals and I'd also like to thank the press for their support and understanding during this investigation so far."
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