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Husband reports wife missing, body found in wedding dress bag

The discovery of a female corpse inside a suitcase prompts an investigation, with forensic experts working to uncover the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding her death.

A warning to readers: the following story contains disturbing details of death and human remains that may be upsetting to some individuals.

Head and shoulders shot of Kirsty. She is made up and has bleached blonde hair to her shoulders. She is wearing a black halter neck top and has a silver and sparkling stone necklace on. She is smiling slightly at the camera. There is the edge of a mirror behind her on a wall. — Kirsty was reported missing by her husband Paul Grabham a week before her body was found

In February 2008, Kirsty Wilkinson found her perfect wedding dress after a whirlwind romance, and to keep it safe, she purchased a pink suit carrier in preparation for her big day.

Over a year later, the same pink carrier would be discovered in a shocking and gruesome find, sparking a massive manhunt for a ruthless killer.

A new documentary has now shed light on the investigation that led to the capture of Kirsty's murderer.

On April 6, 2009, a lorry driver stopped at an underpass near Porthcawl in south Wales and noticed a suitcase in the embankment, which he retrieved, only to discover a hand and bloodstained blonde hair inside.

The driver had initially thought the suitcase might have fallen from a car roof rack, but the gruesome discovery would set off a chain of events to identify the victim and uncover the truth.

Around the same time, senior investigation officer Dorian Lloyd was working on a missing person's case in Swansea, after Kirsty Grabham, 24, was reported missing by her husband Paul on March 30, a week after she was last seen by friends.

Kirsty, formerly Wilkinson, had been out with friends the previous Friday, and her husband reported her missing when she failed to return home.

Initially, police found nothing unusual at Kirsty's home, but when the body was discovered near the M4, Lloyd was called to the scene to investigate further.

Lloyd described the scene as "horrific," with the body found in a suitcase, wrapped in two black bin liners and a pink suit carrier.

Kirsty Wilkinson wears a silver short sleeved dress with a pattern of black flowers on it. She is white, with bleached blonde hair which comes below her shoulders. She has her arms raised and is smiling at the camera. She wears a wide silver bangle. In the background, which is at night, a sign reading "Fish'n'Chips food to take away" is illuminated. There is a yellow pole behind her and the edge of a canopy. It looks like a fairground site. — Kirsty Wilkinson was soft-hearted and tried to please people, her mother says

The investigation team suspected the body might be Kirsty's, but they needed confirmation, and the fact that she was found 20 miles from her home raised doubts about the identification.

Former chief reporter at BBC Wales, Penny Roberts, who covered the case, noted that a woman matching Kirsty's description had gone missing in the same area, making it a significant lead.

However, the distance between the body's discovery and Kirsty's home made it an unusual case, as Lloyd pointed out that it was rare for a body to be moved such a long distance.

As evidence pointed to Kirsty as the victim, her mother, Cathy Broomfield, was tasked with the difficult job of identifying her daughter's body.

Cathy recalled the traumatic experience, saying that her daughter's body was unrecognizable, with a broken nose, jaw, and blood in her hair, making it a horrific sight.

Cathy Broomfield is a woman in late middle age. She has dyed blonde chest-length hair. She is wearing an above the elbow sleeved dress with a brown and cream patterned dress. She is seated behind a table with her left hand resting on it. She wears an large square watch and a wedding ring. She has a tattoo on her lower left arm. She is sitting in a living room with a mantlepiece to her right with a lamp on it, and a standard lamp to her right. There is an out of focus cabinet behind her and a painting on the wall. — Cathy Broomfield said Kirsty's behaviour changed after she got married, and she was a "nervous wreck"

The only recognizable feature was her eyebrows, which allowed Cathy to confirm her identity, leaving her in a state of shock.

The fact that Kirsty's body was wrapped in the same pink carrier she had bought to protect her wedding dress was a particularly distressing detail for the investigation team.

When Paul Grabham was informed that the body was likely his wife's, his lack of reaction and refusal to comment raised suspicions among the police.

However, the police needed concrete evidence to build a case, and the pathology team's findings would prove crucial in uncovering the truth about Kirsty's death.

The post-mortem examination revealed the extent of the violence inflicted on Kirsty, showing a brutal and prolonged attack.

Former Home Office forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd described the injuries as "violent, vicious, and prolonged," indicating a severe assault.

The examination found fingerprint bruising on Kirsty's throat and a fractured bone behind her tongue, demonstrating the force used against her.

As the police investigated Kirsty and Paul's relationship, they discovered a history of problems and controlling behavior.

Cathy Broomfield recalled that her daughter had been in a previous relationship but suddenly announced her plans to marry Paul, and the two had a whirlwind romance, marrying just three months after meeting.

Cathy sits in an armchair with baby Kirsty. Cathy's hair is short and she wears a short sleeved green and white top and a dark skirt. Kirsty is dressed in a white spotted dress with a green cardigan over it and white knee length socks. — Cathy with Kirsty, who was a small baby and grew into a petite woman, at 5ft 1in, a foot shorter than her husband

However, soon after the marriage, Cathy noticed changes in Kirsty's behavior, describing her as a "nervous wreck" who would quickly leave the house when Paul arrived.

Kirsty's family had concerns about Paul's behavior, and letters between the couple revealed problems in their relationship, which forensic psychologist Dr. Catrin Williams studied.

Dr. Williams noted evidence of coercive controlling behavior in the relationship, where one partner exerts control over the other's movements, isolates them, and dictates their interactions.

Cathy recalled an incident where Paul strangled Kirsty at a party, leaving her fearing for her life.

Although the evidence of Paul's violence was mounting, it was not enough to prove his guilt, and he maintained that he had been out with Kirsty on the night she disappeared but returned home alone, claiming she had left him.

However, neighbors reported hearing screams and banging sounds between 3:00 and 4:00 am, which contradicted Paul's alibi.

A witness from a bar the couple had visited that night remembered serving Kirsty a drink with an apple in it, which was later found in her system during the post-mortem examination.

Dr. Shepherd said the presence of the apple in Kirsty's small bowel suggested that she died between 3:00 and 4:00 am, fitting the timeline of the neighbors' testimony.

The police needed evidence that Kirsty died in the flat, and senior forensic scientist Claire Morse was tasked with finding it.

Paul Grabham arriving at Swansea Magistrates Court, where he is charged with the murder of his wife, Kirsty. Paul is wearing a dark blue zip up top with white stripes down the shoulders and sleeves and is staring at the ground as he walks. A prison guard is walking behind him wearing a white shirt with a black tie and a gilet style jumper over the top. To Paul's immediate left is a police officer in full uniform looking at him — Paul Grabham was jailed for at least 19 years for his wife's murder

Morse discovered small signs of blood on the wall and floor, which would prove crucial in building the case against Paul Grabham.

The findings of the pathology team and the forensic evidence would ultimately help bring Kirsty's killer to justice.

The investigation was a complex and challenging one, but the dedication of the police and forensic teams led to the truth being uncovered.

The case highlights the importance of thorough investigation and the need to listen to the concerns of those closest to the victim.

As the documentary reveals, the story of Kirsty's murder is a tragic one, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and the need to support those affected by violence.

The police and forensic teams worked tirelessly to build a case against Paul Grabham, and their efforts ultimately led to his conviction.

Hayley and Kirsty Wilkinson are two girls aged approximately five and three. Hayley, left, has chest-length blonde hair with a long fringe brushed to the side. Kirsty has blonde hair worn in two bunches. They are wearing identical turquoise jumpers with irregular white lines forming patterns on it. They are both smiling at the camera standing in front of bookshelves. — Sisters Hayley and Kirsty Wilkinson "really loved each other", leaving Hayley destroyed by Kirsty's death, their mother says

The discovery of blood in the flat was a significant breakthrough in the case, and it helped to piece together the events of that fateful night.

An inspection of the flat revealed stains on the newly painted ceiling, and further investigation uncovered blood in other areas, including the bathroom.

Forensic analysis revealed a DNA match with Kirsty, and tiny bloodstains were also found on Grabham's clothing.

To build a solid case against Grabham, investigators needed to establish that he had moved Kirsty's body to the underpass.

Mobile phone records showed that Grabham's phone was at the location where Kirsty's body was found at 10:30 on 31 March, as he had sent and received a text message from that location at the time.

In January 2010, Grabham's trial for Kirsty's murder began, and he was found guilty on 4 February.

Grabham received a life sentence with a minimum term of 19 years.

Roberts recalled the trial, noting that Grabham's demeanor remained unchanged throughout, with no visible emotional response.

The consequences of Kirsty's death would take another devastating turn.

Kirsty had two older sisters, one of whom, Hayley, was just 16 months older and shared a particularly close bond with Kirsty.

According to Cathy, the sisters were incredibly close, with Hayley expressing her grief by saying, "A part of me has been torn away; I feel like I'm unable to live without my little sister."

Hayley's life took a turn for the worse as she began drinking heavily, and she eventually died in Cathy's arms at Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry.

The loss of two young lives was a tragic outcome, with both sisters gone far too soon.

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US inflation slows as used vehicle prices decline

According to the most recent official data, prices increased by 2.4% over the 12 months ending in January, marking the smallest gain since May.

The US experienced a slowdown in inflation last month, driven by decreases in energy and used car prices.

A person in a black and white striped shirt with a pony tail walks past a parking lot of used cars. There is a large American flag hanging under the sign and a large white truck on display.

According to the Labor Department, the consumer price index increased by 2.4% over the past 12 months, ending in January, marking a decline from the previous month's 2.7% and the slowest rate since May.

This development may support the argument made by US President Donald Trump and others that the central bank has the flexibility to lower interest rates without triggering a surge in prices.

However, analysts caution that progress toward the Federal Reserve's inflation target of 2% may be hindered in the coming months if companies begin to pass on tariff costs to consumers more extensively.

Neil Birrell, chief investment officer at Premier Miton Investors, noted that the impact of tariffs remains uncertain and pointed out other data anomalies that could have influenced the January figures.

Birrell stated that the January report is likely to pave the way for a potential rate cut in the near future.

He added that the US economy appears to be performing well, with strong growth, stable inflation, a robust job market, and a Federal Reserve that has the ability to adjust its policies as needed.

News

Service Member Injured in Stabbing Incident Close to Military Base

According to Lt Col Mark Teeton, he considers himself lucky following what he describes as a premeditated and intentional assault perpetrated by Anthony Esan.

Lt Col Mark Teeton recalled the moment his life was put in danger when Anthony Esan dropped his deceptive facade and unleashed a violent attack, saying, "I knew I was in trouble."

Eileen Teeton in a black top and shoulder length brown hair, sits next to her husband Mark, who has short hair and is dressed in a grey suit. — Lt Col Mark Teeton, pictured with his wife Eileen, said the support of the public gave him strength after he was attacked by Anthony Esan in Chatham

On 23 July 2024, at approximately 18:00 BST, Teeton's routine walk home from Brompton Barracks was disrupted when Esan approached him, requesting to borrow his mobile phone to seek help for his broken-down moped.

Within three minutes, Teeton had suffered a brutal stabbing, which was briefly interrupted when his wife intervened, pushing Esan away as he lunged at her husband.

In an interview with the BBC, Teeton reflected on his ordeal, stating, "I was fortunate to have survived."

Esan, aged 25, received a life sentence with a minimum term of seven years and 162 days at Maidstone Crown Court.

During the sentencing, Mr Justice Picken described the attack as having an "unimaginable horror."

The judge also ruled that Esan would be detained in a hospital for as long as necessary.

Prior to the attack, Esan had conducted online searches for knives, a terrorist attack in West Africa, and TikTok videos depicting knife attacks in other countries.

Anthony Esan is seen being held by two police officers, who are wearing uniforms and gloves. Esan is wearing a grey top and has his hands behind his back. — The court heard Esan 'lied' to his mother and said he was going to look for a job

The court heard that Esan had also searched for information on the 2013 murder of Lee Rigby, referred to as the "Woolwich soldier murdered."

Forensic psychiatrists testified that Esan's actions were more likely driven by psychosis, but that he had intentionally targeted a soldier.

Mr Justice Picken stated, "The attack on Mr Teeton was targeted and deliberate."

Addressing Esan, the judge said, "You intentionally sought out a soldier with the intention of causing fatal harm, as evident from your online search of the Lee Rigby killing."

Eileen Teeton, Mark's wife, recounted how she rushed from their home and confronted the assailant, but Esan's gaze followed her.

She described how Esan then turned his attention back to her husband, at which point she realized the victim was her husband.

After Esan ceased his attack and fled on his moped, Eileen's priority was to get her husband medical attention as quickly as possible.

As Teeton drifted in and out of consciousness, guards from the nearby barracks, local residents, police, and paramedics arrived at the scene.

Teeton was rushed to Kings College Hospital in London, where he underwent emergency surgery, while his wife followed, unsure if he would survive.

Following the sentencing, Teeton stated that Esan's life imprisonment reflected the premeditation and planning that went into the attack against him, a British military officer.

He added, "Knife attacks have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the victim but also their families and the communities where they occur."

Teeton expressed his empathy, saying, "We feel the pain of every knife attack we see in the news, and our thoughts are always with those affected."

Prior to the attack, Teeton, a 26-year veteran of the military, had completed four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Wearing combat uniform and dark glasses, Lt Col Teeton smiles at the camera from the interior of a partly-constructed building in Afghanistan — Lt Col Teeton worked with the Canadian armed forces in Afghanistan in 2010/11

He credited the swift response of paramedics, who arrived by air ambulance, with helping to save his life.

Teeton also acknowledged the role of locals who provided first aid, saying, "The immediate care they provided, along with the basic first aid principles they applied, absolutely saved me."

After a three-week hospital stay, Teeton returned home to find that the military had relocated his family to a more private area.

He then spent five weeks at a rehabilitation centre for injured military personnel near Loughborough before returning to work full-time in January 2025.

In January, Esan pleaded guilty to attempted murder, following several delays in the case due to concerns about his mental health.

Esan had previously attempted to join the British Army on multiple occasions, with his first application submitted in 2020.

In the same year, he was referred to mental health services due to apparent mental health issues and reports of hearing voices.

Esan's mother believed that, given his mental state, he should not have been in the community, according to testimony presented in court.

Eileen Teeton, who sings in a military wives choir, expressed relief that Esan had pleaded guilty, sparing them the ordeal of a trial.

She stated, "We felt a massive sense of relief that he had taken responsibility for his actions and pleaded guilty, sparing us and the jurors from reliving the horrific ordeal."