Wife murdered and left under Christmas Tree

On a Christmas death that could easily top Grandma being run over by a reindeer: A retired businessman is believed to have killed his wife and left her body under the Christmas tree before driving his car off the road and fatally injuring himself.

Susan Goswell, 63, a retired teacher, may have been battered to death with one of her husband’s golf clubs. Roger Goswell, 66, a prominent amateur golfer, then apparently killed himself by driving a Smart car into a tree.

Villagers in the South Downs reacted with disbelief to the tale emerging from the country home of the peacefully retired couple from West Chiltington (population 3,500), near Pulborough, West Sussex.

Police were led to Mrs Goswell’s body after her husband drove into the tree half a mile from their home at 8.50pm on Sunday.
Officers went to his address and became suspicious when nobody answered the door. They forced their way into the gated bungalow, set amid more than half an acre of land, and discovered the former teacher’s body among the tinsel, presents and decorations.

A source close to the investigation said: “We are working on the assumption that the husband killed his wife and then killed himself by driving his car into a tree.

“Officers initially went to the address to inform the occupants of the road traffic accident, but upon arrival they found a car in the drive but no answer at the door. So officers forced entry and found the body among Christmas decorations.”

Forensic science staff began an examination and Mrs Goswell’s body was kept at the murder scene until Christmas Eve. Some items were removed from the £700,000 home for closer examination. Last night two police vehicles were parked outside.

A single floral tribute lay at the entrance. A card attached read: “To a loving and devoted mother from all your children. We love you mum”.

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