A mother of three was discovered dead inside a freezer at her West Yorkshire home, leading to murder charges against her husband.
Carolann Barraclough, 37, known to loved ones as Caz, was found dead at her home on Ken Churchill Drive in Horbury, near Wakefield, on Friday, March 6. Coroner Oliver Longstaff confirmed at an inquest that she had been found in a freezer at the property.
West Yorkshire Police and paramedics had responded to the Ken Churchill Drive property on Thursday, March 5, after receiving a concern for safety report. A Yorkshire Ambulance Service paramedic confirmed the death the following morning.
A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as blunt force head trauma, pending further investigation.
On Saturday, March 7, West Yorkshire Police charged David Barraclough, 45, of the same address, with murder. He appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, where he wore a light-grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address before being remanded into custody.
The District Judge told him: “David Barraclough you are remanded into custody due to the nature and seriousness of the offence and will appear at Leeds Crown Court tomorrow, March 10.”
At Leeds Crown Court, the heavily-tattooed defendant was not arraigned during the brief hearing, but a preliminary trial date of October 5 was set. The case now moves through the criminal justice system as prosecutors build their case.
The inquest into Ms. Barraclough’s death opened at Wakefield Coroner’s Court on Friday, March 27. Coroner Oliver Longstaff explained that the hearing was not making any “finding of facts” in the case. He suspended the coronial investigation due to the ongoing criminal proceedings—standard procedure when charges are pending.
Det Ch Insp Stacey Atkinson, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, addressed the complexity of the investigation: “Complex enquiries remain ongoing at Ken Churchill Drive and will be for a number of days as we investigate what has taken place there.”
Speaking to concerned residents, DCI Atkinson offered reassurance: “We recognise this incident will cause concern locally and I can advise residents we are not seeking anyone else in connection with the matter.” Formal identification had not been confirmed at the time of initial reports, though police believed the deceased to be Carolann Barraclough. Specially trained officers continue to support her family.
Flowers and cards placed at the scene on Ken Churchill Drive described Carolann as a “beautiful and amazing sister” with a lovely smile. Her family thanked everyone for their messages, cards, and flowers. She was described as a much-loved mum, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.
Carolann’s sister set up a fundraiser to pay for her funeral. Writing on the GoFundMe page, which has a target of £2,000, she wrote: “Caz was cruelly taken from us far too young. She was a much-loved mother, daughter, sister, cousin and friend. All funds raised will go towards giving her the beautiful send off she deserves and to her three children left without their mum.”
The quiet neighborhood on Ken Churchill Drive became the focus of intensive police activity as investigators worked to understand the circumstances surrounding Ms. Barraclough’s death. The normally peaceful residential area saw an increased police presence for several days as the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team carried out searches and gathered evidence.
Ms. Barraclough leaves behind three children. The family continues to receive support from specially trained officers as they process their devastating loss while criminal proceedings move forward.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact West Yorkshire Police. The Homicide and Major Enquiry Team welcomes any details that might assist their ongoing investigation.