A Killing in Lockdown
A Covid-19 lockdown provides the perfect cover for the murder of a well-liked former social worker to go undiscovered – but pathology helps reveal what unfolded behind closed doors.
During Wales’s second Covid-19 lockdown, in February 2021, police were called to a flat on a quiet street in Pembroke Dock. What they discovered would shock an entire community and reveal how isolation in the pandemic meant a brutal murder could remain hidden for weeks.
Sixty-eight-year-old Judith Rhead lived alone and was well known as a warm, immaculately presented woman who loved music, singing and her community. But when neighbour Michelle noticed Judith’s window continually open in winter, alarm bells began to ring. She recalls that Judith had not been seen for some time, and lockdown meant normal social contact had all but disappeared. Concerned for Judith, Michelle called police.
Officers were unable to get a response at Judith's flat but through a window they saw a body inside the bedroom. Forced entry revealed a deeply disturbing scene: Judith’s body was beside the bed, her head covered with a bag tied with a cord.
News spread on social media, and Judith’s niece recognised the street in online photos. She faced the devastating task of identifying the body, confirming it was her aunt because of a dragonfly tattoo Judith had, inspired by a drawing her niece did as a child.
Former Home Office forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd explains how the postmortem revealed Judith had suffered multiple blows to the head. A defensive wound indicated she had tried to protect herself and the weapon was identified as a hammer.
Detectives’ attention turned to Judith’s only child: her son Dale Morgan. He had moved in to care for his mother in October 2020 but was now missing. Initially, there were fears he might also be a victim, but evidence from forensics and pathology revealed a different story. It suggested Dale had been living with his mother’s dead body while telling those worried for her that she was ill, isolating or in hospital.
Judith’s diary revealed what no-one else had seen - Dale had been abusing drugs, including her prescription medication, and exploiting her financially. Forensic psychologist Dr Catrin Williams explains matricide - the killing of a mother by her child - is rare. In this case, substance misuse, mental health struggles and enforced isolation formed a volatile combination.
Dale handed himself in but refused to cooperate in interviews despite the overwhelming forensic, pathological and circumstantial evidence. Covid provided Dale with a cover for his crime, while restrictions hindered early intervention by police and friends concerned for Judith. Despite lockdown, hundreds lined the streets for her funeral, remembering Judith for her kindness and love of life.
