A dad-of-six who was found dead in his home on Christmas Day was allegedly murdered by his ‘lover’ and had a new baby, with his parents finding out about his death while on holiday, according to a neighbour.
Kirsty Carless, 33, of Cannock, has been charged with murder following the death of Louis Price, 31, who she was having an ‘on-off relationship with. Staffordshire Police were called to a report of a man in cardiac arrest at a property on Elm Road in Norton Canes, near Cannock, at around 3.25am on Christmas Day.
Despite medical efforts, Mr Price died a short time later. Police previously confirmed that a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following recent contact. Mr Price was a keen fisherman and footballer said his family in a tribute as they also described him as having a “big heart” and someone who “always had a smile on his face”.
Kirsty Carless, 33, of Cannock, has been charged with murder
Locals have said that his parents Graham and Eleanor Price were on a dream holiday when they received the news and have now rushed back to the UK, reported the Mail. The victim is understood to have had four daughters and two sons, including a young baby.
“The young man who died was a lovely lad. He lived with his dad, who is a a builder, and his step mum, who worked at a local care home. They kept themselves to themselves, and were a decent, hard working family. Louis had a baby daughter who he loved to bits,” a neighbour told The Sun. “He lived here with his parents and his girlfriend lived in Cannock but used to come over a lot. I have lived here for six years and they have been here beyond that.”
And another neighbour told the Mail how she was awoken at about 4.30am on Christmas Day by a girl “crying loudly” and repeatedly saying “No, no, no”. She said: “I didn’t know what was going on but it sounded serious, I looked outside and the emergency services were everywhere.
“His poor parents were away on holiday when it happened. They usually go away to the Maldives for Christmas and that may have been where they were. They will be absolutely devastated and my heart goes out to them.”
Mr Price was a keen fisherman and footballer
Meanwhile a tribute from Mr Price’s family read: “Louis was well-loved by his family and closest friends. He was a well-known member of the community, always had a smile on his face and brought a positive energy to anywhere he went. He always had time for anyone and would help anyone he could. Louis was a devoted fisherman, he had a passion for fishing and regularly went away on trips with friends and family. He loved football, he played for a team and was a life-long supporter of Aston Villa.
“As a family we are devastated at losing Louis. Life will never be the same without him, he leaves a huge hole in the lives of everyone who knew him. Christmas is a time we have always spent together as a family, to lose Louis at this time is even harder. Louis leaves behind his Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister, along with his six children. He has four daughters and two sons who he loved dearly. Louis had a big heart, he loved those closest to him.
“As a family, we would like to ask people to respect our privacy during this difficult time and we ask that people don’t speculate about what has happened.”
Carless appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday morning via video link from HMP Foston Hall for a preliminary hearing after she was charged with the murder of Louis Price, 31. Wearing a grey T-shirt, Carless spoke only to confirm she could hear the proceedings.
Judge Michael Chambers KC said Carless must appear in person at Stafford Crown Court at the end of January to enter a plea to murder. He told the defendant, of Haling Way in Cannock: “Your case is being adjourned and the next hearing will be a plea and trial preparation at Stafford on January 31, when all things being equal, you will be asked if you plead guilty or not guilty. In the meantime, you must be remanded into custody.”
Michelle Heeley KC, defending Carless, said there would be no application for bail. A provisional date for a trial, which is estimated to last two to three weeks, was set for June 2 at Stafford Crown Court in front of resident judge Kristina Montgomery KC.