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Brighton drowning: No criminality found in deaths of three sisters

Sussex Police investigation concludes no third-party involvement after sisters' bodies were recovered from the sea.

Reporting desk London Crime News Desk||3 min read|London Crime News
London Road Railway Viaduct seen from Stanford Road, Prestonville, Brighton (December 2013) (1)Incident → evidence → outcome
London Road Railway Viaduct seen from Stanford Road, Prestonville, Brighton (December 2013) (1)Hassocks5489 via Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

An investigation by Sussex Police into the deaths of three sisters has concluded, with officers finding no evidence of criminality or third-party involvement. The bodies of Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, were recovered from the sea near Black Rock, Brighton, on 13 May.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that all three women died by drowning, according to Sussex Police. The police investigation established that the sisters were dropped off by a taxi in Madeira Drive at approximately 10:20 PM on 12 May. No evidence was found to suggest they visited any local businesses or nightclubs in the area at that time.

Ch Supt Adam Hays of Sussex Police stated that up to the point their bodies were discovered, there was "no evidence the women came to harm by any individuals". He added that the investigation team was aware of public speculation and the desire for answers. The priority throughout has been uncovering the truth for the family, who are coming to terms with a significant loss. The police inquiries have now concluded, pending any new information.

The sisters, who all lived together in Greenford, London, were formally identified by their father. He previously described the loss of his daughters in the prime of their lives as a pain that "no words can truly describe", calling them "my joy, my strength, and the beautiful light that filled our family with happiness and love".

Inquest to continue

An inquest into the deaths was opened in May at Brighton & Hove Coroner's Court. It is scheduled to continue in early October, where further facts surrounding the circumstances of where, when, and how the sisters died will be established.

Reader briefing

Questions this report answers

Q/A
01What did the police investigation find regarding the deaths of the three sisters?

Sussex Police concluded their investigation and found no evidence of criminality or third-party involvement in the deaths of Jane Adetoro, Christina Walters, and Rebecca Walters. They determined the sisters died by drowning.

02When and where were the sisters last seen before their deaths?

The three sisters were dropped off by a taxi in Madeira Drive, Brighton, at approximately 10:20 PM on 12 May. Their bodies were recovered from the sea near Black Rock the following day.

03What happens next regarding the deaths of the sisters?

An inquest into the deaths of Jane Adetoro, Christina Walters, and Rebecca Walters was opened in May and is scheduled to continue in early October at Brighton & Hove Coroner's Court. This will aim to establish the full facts of the case.

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Brighton sisters died by drowning | London Crime News