Teenager may have died during sex attack – inquest
Thames Valley PoliceA teenager whose body was found more than three years after she went missing might have been killed during an “unwarranted sexual attack”, an inquest has heard.
Leah Croucher, 19, disappeared while walking to work on 15 February, 2019 and her remains were discovered in a house in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, less than half-a-mile (0.8km) from her home in October 2022.
Convicted sex offender Neil Maxwell, 49, who died in April 2019, was named as the only suspect by police following the discovery of Ms Croucher’s remains.
No medical cause of death could be identified, despite extensive testing, Milton Keynes Coroner’s Court heard.
Ms Croucher’s remains were discovered in the loft of a property on Loxbeare Drive in Furzton after a handyman had visited the property, tasked with eradicating a smell.
Maxwell was linked to the home as he had been a handyman for the property, which was used as a holiday home by overseas owners.
Det Sgt Kevin Brown, of Thames Valley Police, said he believed Ms Croucher died on or close to the day she went missing.
Asked by coroner Tom Osborne if on the balance of probabilities she was killed by Maxwell, he said “absolutely”.
The inquest continues.
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