A 92-year-old man accused of killing his elderly wife has appeared in court. Laurence Billam was charged by police with the murder of 87-year-old Shirley Billam.
The pensioner appeared via video link at Exeter Magistrates' Court for a brief hearing on Tuesday, April 28. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
The case was sent to Exeter Crown Court. Billam, of Edwards Court in Millbrook Lane, Exeter, is expected to appear at the crown court on Wednesday, April 29.
Emergency services were called to a property in Millbrook Lane, Exeter, at about 12.40pm on Sunday, April 19. Mrs Billam, 87, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police previously said: "Officers were called to Millbrook Lane at around 12.40pm on Sunday, April 19, following reports of a concern for welfare. Emergency services attended where a woman was discovered deceased at the property."
The woman has since been named as Shirley Billam. Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers. Laurence Billam, aged 92 and of Millbrook Lane, Exeter, has been charged with her murder.
