Xyaire Howard, a 23-year-old resident of Press Road, NW10, has been found guilty of the murder of 71-year-old Susan Hawkey. The verdict was reached after a trial at the Old Bailey. Howard’s accomplice, Chelsea Grant, aged 28 and also residing on Press Road, was found not guilty of murder but had previously pleaded guilty to multiple robberies against Hawkey.
During the trial, it was revealed that Howard and Grant had subjected Hawkey to weeks of violence. The couple, who lived near Hawkey, targeted her as an ideal victim due to her vulnerability. Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson, who led the investigation, described the murder as a brutal act following a sustained campaign of abuse and violence. He expressed relief that both Grant and Howard have been brought to justice.
