Pregnant woman found dead in burning van in Prestatyn; Thomas Bell charged
Police say she was alive when the van was set alight, and Thomas Bell faces a plea hearing.
A 35-year-old pregnant woman died after being found inside a van that was set on fire in Prestatyn, Wales, on October 4, and police have charged one man with her murder.
North Wales Police identified the victim as Samantha Phythian. Judge Geraint Walters said Phythian was still alive when the van was ignited and was killed as a result of the fire.
Crews were called around 11:30 p.m. to a vehicle fire near an industrial estate and retail park in the town. After the fire, officers found Phythian dead inside the van.
A postmortem examination showed Phythian was pregnant when she died. Her family said she would be remembered as a much loved Mum, daughter, sister, Auntie and friend.
Police arrested 38-year-old Thomas Bell. He allegedly knew Phythian, but he denies setting the fire. Bell was charged with murder and appeared in court on Friday, with a plea and preparation hearing set for November. A provisional trial date is set for April.
A second suspect, a 47-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and possession with intent to supply drugs. His name has not been released, and the case remains under investigation.
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Source:
WKRC