Introduction
This story contains graphic details of murder that some may find distressing.
Judith Rhead dedicated much of her life to caring for others. During the Covid pandemic, her only son, Dale Morgan, moved in to care for her. However, in December 2020, he fatally attacked her with a hammer.
Known affectionately as the "karaoke queen," the 68-year-old's family was devastated to learn that Dale, then 43, had murdered Judith and subsequently lived with her body for two months.
Police were alerted to Judith's flat on Market Street, Pembroke Dock, on 20 February 2021 after a neighbour expressed concern that her window had been left open throughout winter and friends reported not seeing her for months.
Officers initially received no response but observed a body inside the bedroom through a window. They forced entry and found Judith's remains beside the bed, partially clothed with her head covered by a bag tied with a cord.
Investigation and Evidence
A recent documentary has detailed how forensic and circumstantial evidence uncovered the grim reality behind the close relationship between the "doting" mother and son, and how Covid lockdown restrictions enabled Morgan to conceal his crime.
Gemma, Judith's niece, expressed her shock:
"You hear of things like this happening on the TV, but you never for one second think it would happen to your family."
She added,
"We genuinely thought it was a freak accident. She'd fallen, hit her head, and it was a complete accident that she had fallen to her death."
Gemma became aware of the situation when photos of police at Judith's street circulated on social media. She rushed to check on her aunt but could not have anticipated the tragedy.
She identified the body by a dragonfly tattoo Judith had, inspired by a drawing Gemma created as a child.
"I was completely shocked,"Gemma told the BBC One Wales series The Truth About My Murder.
She continued,
"We were told she was hit in the head no fewer than 14 times."
A 4cm defensive wound on Judith's left hand indicated she had attempted to fend off her attacker.
Forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd explained that the position in which Judith was found—kneeling—and the force and direction of injuries to her ears suggested she was forced into that position during the assault.
Judith suffered a fractured skull and internal bleeding. The murder weapon, a hammer, was discovered at the scene, covered in hair and blood.
Background and Relationship
Judith had pre-existing health conditions that made her vulnerable to Covid-19. After a foot operation in October 2020, Morgan became her primary carer.
Judith had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sometimes required oxygen tanks.
At the time of the discovery, Morgan was missing, and police feared he might also be a victim.
Gemma described the close bond between mother and son, noting their shared love of music and guitar playing:
"She idolised him, he was her blue-eyed boy."
Gemma also recalled Morgan's personality growing up, describing him as the "life and soul" of the party and someone others enjoyed being around.
Before Morgan moved in, Judith had lived alone in a one-bedroom flat for seven years. Her neighbour Michelle recalled Judith's fondness for spending time in her garden and their conversations over the garden wall.
"She was a lovely woman to chat to,"Michelle said.
Michelle described Judith as sociable within the community, regularly attending choir practice and church, and noted that Judith missed seeing friends during the Covid pandemic.
After Morgan moved in, Michelle became concerned about the cold winter air entering Judith's bedroom through an open window. Morgan insisted that it "does her asthma good."
As Covid infection rates increased, Michelle attempted to speak with Judith over the garden wall but was told by Morgan that Judith was unwell.
By early 2021, Michelle's concern led her to contact police via 101.
A police officer called the flat, and Morgan reassured them that Judith was "fine" and isolating.
Shortly thereafter, Morgan informed Judith's friends Melissa and another that Judith had "took a turn for the worse" and was hospitalized. However, hospital records showed no admission.
Realizing something was amiss, friends contacted police again. Officers visited the flat and discovered Judith's decomposed body.
Forensic Findings and Arrest
A post-mortem examination provided an estimated time of death and evidence implicating Dale Morgan as the perpetrator.
Dr Shepherd noted that the body's condition was "consistent with mummification" due to the cold air from the open window effectively turning the room into a refrigerator, which slowed decomposition.
He stated that the body's condition suggested it had been in the flat for at least a month, coinciding with the period Morgan had been living there.
Hours into the investigation, Morgan surrendered to police and was arrested on suspicion of murder. He declined to cooperate with interviews and denied access to his phone and social media accounts.
Diary Revelations and Psychological Insights
Judith's diary revealed aspects of their relationship previously unknown to others. It detailed Morgan's drug abuse, including misuse of her prescription medication, and financial exploitation.
The diary exposed a dysfunctional relationship, with investigations revealing Morgan's long-term struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
The final diary entry, dated 2 December 2020, provided a timeline suggesting Morgan lived with his mother's body for two months.
Forensic psychologist Dr Catrin Williams commented on Morgan's behavior:
"Sometimes when someone commits a crime they're ashamed of, people can almost pretend it didn't happen and push it to one side and try and move on.
The fact that he put a bag over her head is probably a similar pattern of thinking, of avoidance, of trying to detach from the fact he engaged in this behaviour."
Legal Outcome and Funeral
Morgan admitted to killing his mother and was sentenced in October 2021 to at least 21 years and six months in prison.
Judge Paul Thomas condemned the attack:
"You committed a savage and sustained attack against a defenceless woman - your mother.
She adored you, she stuck up for you even when you stole from her on a previous occasion. She tried to help you with your problems. In short, you were pretty much her life.
You repaid those 43 years of devotion by bludgeoning her to death with a hammer."
Despite lockdown restrictions, hundreds attended Judith's funeral, celebrating her kindness and zest for life.
Gemma reflected on Judith's character:
"She didn't always know this, but sometimes we would refer to her, you know, as Mrs Bouquet, because that's the appearance you got from her.
There was nothing out of place, her house was always immaculate."
"Nothing really held her back, she loved singing... if there was ever an opportunity for her to get hold of that microphone, she was doing it."
