Man Found Guilty of Murdering Maria in Shocking Strangulation Case
David Bestwick, from Chesterfield Road, Sheffield, has been found guilty of murdering Maria after a brutal attack in the early hours of Sunday, 6 September 2020. The chilling incident unfolded at School Lane, Greenhill, where emergency services rushed to reports of a woman assaulted around 4am.
Maria Dies Two Days After Attack
Maria was found with critical, life-threatening injuries and taken to hospital. Tragically, she died two days later. Bestwick was arrested at the scene and initially charged with attempted murder. After Maria’s death, the charge was upgraded to murder.
Police Reveal Startling Details of the Killing
“Bestwick himself made the initial call to police in the early hours of Sunday morning, claiming he had strangled Maria,” said Detective Chief Inspector James Axe, the senior investigating officer. “When our officers arrived, she had critical injuries and was rushed to hospital.
“Sadly, the extent of the damage was fatal. A post-mortem confirmed Maria died from strangulation. Bestwick now faces a significant prison sentence, though that offers little solace to Maria’s family, who have endured the heartbreak of this distressing trial.”
Justice Served, But Family’s Grief Remains
Detective Chief Inspector Axe also paid tribute to the officers involved: “I would like to recognise those who first attended the scene and secured vital early evidence, as well as those who worked tirelessly over five months to bring this to court and seek justice for Maria.
“My deepest condolences go to Maria’s family on this difficult day. Even with the verdict, their loss will remain profound.”
Bestwick is set to be sentenced on Monday, 1 March.
