Braintree: Pair charged over murder of Helen Bloomfield

Two women have been charged with the murder of a woman in Braintree.

Helen Bloomfield, 52, was found dead at her address in Aetheric Road on 19 April 2024.

Her death was initially treated as unexpected and subsequent enquiries indicated her death was suspicious.

Since then our Serious Crime Directorate have been investigating the circumstances which led up to Helen’s death and as a result of that investigation they have secured charges against two people.

Amy Keely, 40, of no fixed address and Charlotte James, 29, of St Michaels Lane, Braintree have both been charged with murder.

They appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 9 April and are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court today (Monday 13 April).

Throughout the investigation Helen’s family have been supported by specialist family liaison officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, who is leading the investigation, said:

“Helen was found in unusual circumstances, and we believe that she had been dead for several weeks.

“Over the last two years investigators have carefully considered the evidence and have now been given the authority by the Crown Prosecution service to charge both Amy Keely and Charlotte James with Helen’s murder.

“Our thoughts remain with Helen’s family who have endured an incredibly difficult two years following her death”.

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