A 43-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman who was allegedly attacked almost 18 months ago. Officers investigated reports of an attack on a woman in Rose Bank Road, Newton Heath, on July 23, 2023.
The woman, mum-of-four Karen Youdell, tragically died aged 50 on May 8 this year. Dean Johnstone, of no fixed address, was previously charged with attempted murder and assault in connection with the incident in July 2023.
In an update issued this morning, Greater Manchester Police confirmed he had now been charged with murder. Johnstone is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates Court in the new year, on January 22.
A GMP spokesman said: “Dean Johnstone, of no fixed abode, has now had his charges amended from attempted murder and assault to murder. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 22 [2025].
“This is following the death of Karen Youdell after reports were received of an attack on Rose Bank Road, North Manchester back in July 2023. She sadly later passed away from her injuries in May 2024.”
Karen’s daughter, Leanne Youdell, previously described her mum as a ‘loving, vibrant and radiant soul’ who ‘loved and cherished life’. She told the Manchester Evening News: “She was honestly so energetic and really bright.
“She was just so full of life. She spoke to everyone. She was always a people person and loved being up and about. She always got out as early as she could.”