Human remains discovered in a river in south London on Tuesday have been confirmed to belong to missing woman Sarah Mayhew, 38. Two individuals remain in custody, charged with her murder and dismemberment.
Discovery of the Remains
Metropolitan Police were called to Rawnsley Avenue in Mitcham at 2:18pm after contractors conducting repair work discovered a torso. The remains were found approximately nine miles from where other parts of her body were discovered earlier.
Sarah Mayhew, from Croydon, was last seen on the evening of March 8 in Sutton, southwest London. Partial remains were first found in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, last month, confirming her death.
Arrests and Charges
Gemma Watts, 48, and Steven Sansom, 44, have been charged with Sarah Mayhew’s murder and preventing her lawful and decent burial. The pair were arrested on Saturday and subsequently charged. Watts and Sansom appeared at the Old Bailey last month, where they were remanded into custody. A plea hearing is set for June 27, with a provisional four-week trial scheduled to begin on February 17 next year.
Investigation Details
The police established a forensic crime scene at the location where the torso was found, setting up tents and cordoning off areas of woodland in southwest London. Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, leading the investigation, stated: “My thoughts remain with Sarah’s family. We will continue to provide our support as our investigation progresses.”
DI Thorpe added that officers would remain in the area for some time to carry out important work at the scene. The investigation revealed that Sarah Mayhew was allegedly killed at a residential property before her body was dismembered with power tools.
Cause of Death
The exact cause of Sarah Mayhew’s death remains unknown. However, an examination of her body found two small vertebrae broken in her voice box, bruising to the skull, and a shaved head. Officers continue to piece together the details surrounding her death and are not seeking anyone else in connection with the crime at this time.
Public Assistance Requested
A dog walker initially alerted police to the first discovery of human remains after their dog uncovered a human bone. DNA testing later confirmed these remains belonged to Sarah Mayhew. The police urge anyone with information that may assist the investigation, who has not yet spoken to authorities, to call 101, quoting reference 1656/02Apr.
Additional Charges
Steven Sansom, of Burnell Road, Sutton, southwest London, also faces three separate charges of making indecent images of a child.
The investigation continues, and the public is encouraged to provide any information that may help bring closure to this tragic case.
