Man Found Guilty of Brutal Murder of Exeter Woman
A 23-year-old has been convicted of the shocking murder of 32-year-old Lorraine Cox in Exeter city centre. Azam Mangori preyed on Miss Cox as she walked alone in the early hours and killed her in his room above a kebab shop.
Horrific Crime and Cover-Up
- Mangori kept Lorraine’s body for days before gruesomely dismembering it.
- He dumped body parts in an alleyway and nearby woods.
- Using Lorraine’s phone SIM and Facebook account, he pretended to be her to fool her friends and family.
- CCTV caught him buying bin bags, plastic sheeting, tape, and other items to cover up the murder.
Five-Week Trial Ends in Guilty Verdict
Mangori, also known as Christopher Mayer and with no fixed address, was found guilty of murder at Exeter Crown Court after a lengthy trial. He also admitted to preventing the lawful burial of Miss Cox’s body.
The case was backed by a massive investigation involving over 230 officers, nearly 2,000 exhibits, and more than 10,000 hours of CCTV from over 400 cameras.
Devon Police Speak Out
“This was a callous and brutal crime against a vulnerable woman,” said Detective Sergeant Samantha Wenham. “Mangori tried to manipulate Lorraine’s loved ones and hide his crime, but justice has been served.”
Assistant Chief Constable Jim Colwell added: “Violence against vulnerable women is abhorrent. We remain committed to protecting our communities and ensuring offenders face justice.”
Family’s Heartbreaking Statement
Lorraine Cox’s family expressed profound gratitude to supporters but said the pain of their loss is “beyond repair.” They thanked the public for helping keep Lorraine’s name alive and organising searches, support, and a beautiful funeral despite the tragedy.
They added: “We pray no other family must endure what we have faced.”
Sentencing Set for April 7
Mangori will be sentenced on Wednesday 7 April. The full horror of his crimes has shaken Exeter and serves as a grim reminder of dangers faced by those walking alone at night.
