Tragedy has struck a family after a dad-of-six was found dead at home on Christmas Day, allegedly murdered by his partner. Louis Price, 31, a keen angler and footballer, was discovered unresponsive at his property in Norton Canes, near Cannock, in the early hours of December 25.
His on-off partner, Kirsty Carless, 33, has been charged with his murder. In a heartbreaking tribute, Louis’s family described him as a man with a “big heart” who “always had a smile on his face”.
However, neighbours revealed that Louis’s parents Graham and Eleanor were left to mourn the devastating loss thousands of miles away after hearing the tragic news while on a dreamed holiday. Louis leaves behind six children, including a newborn baby, after the sudden and tragic loss, and his parents have since rushed back to the UK to be with his family.
Staffordshire Police are investigating the incident and confirmed they had been in contact with the family before the tragic event, a matter now referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
A neighbour told The Sun about the young man who tragically died: “The young man who died was a lovely lad. He lived with his dad, who is 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,” adding, “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.”
Another neighbour shared with the Mail how she was awoken around 4.30am on Christmas Day by a girl “crying loudly” and repeatedly saying “No, no, no”, reports the Mirror.
She said: “I didn’t know what was going on but it sounded serious, I looked outside and the emergency services were everywhere.”
She also mentioned, “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.”
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.”
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The family of Louis Price, who tragically lost his life, have been left shattered by the loss. “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.”
In their grief, they pleaded for privacy: “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.”
Kirsty Carless
In court news, the accused, Carless, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday morning via video link from HMP Foston Hall for a preliminary hearing after being charged with the murder of 31 year old Louis Price. Dressed in a grey T-shirt, Carless confirmed her ability to hear the proceedings but did not speak further.
Judge Michael Chambers KC informed Carless that her next appearance must be in person at Stafford Crown Court at the end of January to enter a plea. He addressed the defendant, residing at 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, who is defending Carless, confirmed that there would be no application for bail. A preliminary date for the trial, expected to last between two and three weeks, has been scheduled for June 2 at Stafford Crown Court, with resident judge Kristina Montgomery KC presiding.
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