Tributes have poured out for a woman understood to have been killed in her own home by a man who then died in a fall from an A30 viaduct in the West Country. Milly Rosevear has been named locally as the beloved mum and grandma who died in her home in Illogan, Cornwall, in suspicious circumstances on Friday, January 10.
The same day Devon and Cornwall Police discovered the body of a man by the A30. Today CornwallLive has identified him as Adrian Lawrence, who is understood to have killed Milly before taking his own life. An investigation is under way to find out exactly what happened during the hours in which they both lost their lives.
The family and friends of Milly have paid tributes to “the happiest and most beautiful soul you could ever meet”. On social media, Milly’s heartbroken children said she was generous and kind-hearted and would do anything for anyone.
A friend of Milly’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign fundraising page on her children’s behalf to help with the funeral costs. It says: “Milly had so much life left in her the happiest, most beautiful soul you could ever meet who would do absolutely anything for anyone. Milly was so so unbelievably proud of her beautiful children and grandchildren, and I know leaving them behind is something she’d of never ever wanted. Milly was so loved by so many of us, and she deserves the most beautiful send off.”
On Facebook, Milly’s sister Carmen Maria Stevens said: “Our sister was one in a million, amazing in every way, she had the biggest heart you could ever imagine. Family meant everything to her. She lived and breathed for her four children and grandchildren. Our lives will never be the same again without her.”
Another sister, Fiona Thomas, added: “My sister was a fun loving person. She would give everyone the last she had. Our hearts have been torn out. She will never get justice. All we can do is to show the love through the media. And to respect for the person she was.”
She added: “A life taken away from her at the hands of another. Please everyone say a prayer for this beautiful woman. She was a Christian and always said a prayer for others. Let’s light Facebook up with red. Saying RIP Milly to show that people are thinking of her. Thank you from the bottom of all our families heart for the messages of support and for the condolences.”
Jessica Berryman also paid tribute to her aunty Milly saying: “She helped me deliver my son, hers was the first face he saw when he came into this world, and what a beautiful face it was. Milly was a matriarch, leader, strong and kind. She was fantastic with children and loved Shakin’ Stevens. She’ll forever be on my mind.”
Friends and well-wishers have also shared their thoughts about Milly. Sandra Vandersluys said: “Milly was so beautiful. She had a heart of gold. Rest in peace my lovely.”
Neighbour Martine Rodda, who lived on the same estate as Milly for a number of years, added: “Milly lived on our estate for some years and my son knew her girls. She was a client at my salon a couple of times too. She was a strong and wonderful woman. I send my deepest condolences to the family.”
Adrian Lawrence is suspected of having murdered Milly Rosevear in Illogan before taking his own life later that day
(Image: Adrian Lawrence)
A day or so before his own and Milly’s deaths, Lawrence reposted a black and white drawing of a man seemingly lost in his own thoughts on his Facebook page, with the words: “I regret the good things I did for the wrong people”. It was among a series of despairing posts.
A police investigation is currently underway into the circumstances surrounding both deaths, which we have confirmed with Cornwall Coroner’s Office. It is expecting to open inquests in the coming days. You can contribute to the fundraiser here.