Cold-Blooded Killer Michael Reader Found Guilty of Murdering Wife Marion Price
Michael Raymond Reader, 70, from Northampton, has been found guilty of murdering his estranged wife Marion Price on December 15, 2019. The verdict came after an eight-week trial at Northampton Crown Court.
Vicious Abuse and Control Before Tragic Killing
The jury heard shocking details about Reader’s relentless abuse throughout their marriage. He bullied and belittled Marion, turning the fun-loving “mum” her children adored into someone terrified and constantly on edge. Even after Marion left him, the control didn’t stop – Reader secretly installed a tracker on her car to monitor her movements.
One humiliating incident stood out: in 2017, Reader abandoned Marion in London for daring to dance at a musical, “embarrassing” him in public.
Reader’s obsession with control and money reached a deadly peak just six days after a court ordered him to pay Marion £10,000 in their divorce settlement. Furious at having to part with the cash, Reader shot Marion through her car window in cold blood.
Accomplice Stephen Welch Also Guilty
Reader’s best mate, Stephen Welch, 61, was also convicted of murder. Welch played a key role by helping plan the killing, tracking Marion’s movements for months, and assisting Reader’s escape. He even disposed of Reader’s clothes in the River Nene after the shooting.
Both men will be sentenced on Monday, December 21.
Detective’s Verdict and Family Tribute
“Michael Reader is a manipulative, controlling bully who could not bear Marion breaking free from his grasp,” said Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Joe Banfield.
“He subjected her to a constant campaign of abuse and threats. When Marion walked out, he tracked her and then murdered her in cold blood after the court ordered him to pay her a divorce settlement. Welch’s involvement shows the sickening extent of this plan.”
“I am pleased both men will likely spend the rest of their lives behind bars where they belong.”
Marion’s family released a statement: “We thank the police and legal teams who worked tirelessly to bring justice. Special thanks to DC Karen Kennedy and DCI Joe Banfield for their dedication and support during these difficult months.”
“We can now begin to heal, knowing the murderers are locked away.”
