77yr Old Woman Found Pushing Daughter’s Body in  Shopping Centre

In November 2023, 77-year-old Joan Kathleen Turnell was discovered pushing the decomposed body of her daughter, 57-year-old Tracey Turnell, through the central shopping 17 & Central shopping centre in Walthamstow, East London. Authorities later learned that Tracey had passed away approximately 14 months earlier, in September 2022, but her mother, unable to come to terms with the loss, kept the body inside their Leyton flat for over a year.

Neighbours had repeatedly reported a strong, foul odour and a fly infestation coming from the property, raising concerns about the conditions inside. When housing association workers attempted to inspect the flat, Joan refused them entry, further heightening suspicions. Eventually, she left the residence, pushing Tracey’s body in a wheelchair through the Walthamstow shopping centre, a shocking sight that alarmed onlookers.

Noticing the overwhelming stench, the workers contacted the police, who soon uncovered the grim reality. Authorities later confirmed that the body was in an advanced state of decomposition. Joan, struggling with severe mental health issues, was subsequently sectioned under the Mental Health Act. In her statement to investigators, she heartbreakingly admitted, “I kept Tracey with me because I couldn’t bear to part with her. I loved her too much.”

Due to the extent of decomposition, a post-mortem examination could not determine Tracey’s exact cause of death. Despite the distressing nature of the case, Joan was not charged for preventing the lawful burial of her daughter. The incident underscored the profound impact of isolation and mental health challenges, particularly among the elderly.

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