Police Call Reporting Murder Marked as Hoax
An investigation has revealed that a call reporting a murder by a violent abuser was marked as a hoax by police, despite the call being made days after the abuser killed one of his victims.
Naomi Hunte and Fiona Holm were both killed by handyman Carl Cooper, who had been in a relationship with each woman approximately a year apart. Both women had previously reported Cooper's violent behavior to the Metropolitan Police before their deaths.
Misconduct notices have been issued to 10 Metropolitan Police officers who had contact with the victims, expanding an inquiry by the police watchdog that began two years ago.
Cooper was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2024 for stabbing Naomi Hunte, aged 41, and killing Fiona Holm, aged 48, whose body has not been recovered.
Background on Victims and Police Contact
During Cooper's murder trial at Woolwich Crown Court, it was revealed that Naomi Hunte made several calls to the police in 2020 and 2021, reporting that Cooper was "obsessed" with her.
In a police response to her home on 29 June 2021, Hunte told officers that Cooper "stalks me and I'm really scared now."
Fiona Holm also filed a complaint against Cooper for assault in April 2023. Cooper was arrested following the assault but was not charged, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Holm, who lived in Catford, south-east London, is believed to have died approximately two months after the assault.
Review of Police Handling and Investigations
A review into the handling of Holm's complaint concluded that "a more thorough investigation could have identified key witnesses, who could have provided strong evidence for a victimless prosecution against Cooper."
In 2024, four officers were placed under investigation related to these matters.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which initiated the investigation, stated that five officers are currently being investigated concerning police actions following Holm's assault report to the Metropolitan Police in April 2023.
Among those under investigation are a detective sergeant and a detective constable for potential gross misconduct, and a detective inspector along with two police constables for potential misconduct.
Separately, three police constables and a police sergeant are being investigated for potential gross misconduct regarding reports Naomi Hunte made to the Metropolitan Police in April and October 2021.
Additionally, a police constable is under investigation for potential misconduct related to a call made to the control center in June 2023 that reported a murder involving Cooper. This call was marked as a hoax. Several days after this call, Fiona Holm was reported missing.
Statements from IOPC and Investigation Status
IOPC director Amanda Rowe stated that the investigation began following referrals in October 2024 from the Metropolitan Police after complaints from the families of both victims, alleging serious deficiencies in the force's investigations prior to their deaths.
"The serving of conduct notices does not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will follow," she said.
"At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face misconduct proceedings.
All parties have been kept informed of developments in the investigation."
Additional Information
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