Authorities are investigating the deaths as a possible murder-suicide involving the headmistress of a prestigious UK institution, her husband, and their young daughter.
The Guardian reported that Emma Pattison, the headmistress of Epsom College in Surrey, was discovered dead along with her husband George and their 7-year-old daughter Lettie early on Sunday morning in their on-campus residence.
Saturday night, Pattison made a frantic phone call to a relative. According to the BBC, by the time the relative got at the residence, all three family members had passed away.
Police confirmed that a firearm registered to George was discovered at the crime scene. Detectives are exploring the likelihood that George, 39, fatally shot his wife and daughter and then himself, The Guardian said, despite the fact that police refused to comment on the causes of death.
Surrey police stated on Sunday that an investigation is being conducted to determine the full chronology and circumstances of the occurrence.
“At this time, officers are confident that no third parties are involved and that there is no threat or risk to the community as a whole.”
In the days preceding his death, George reportedly contacted law enforcement to confirm a change of residence on his weapons license.
In September 2022, 45-year-old Emma Pattison was appointed the first female head of the prestigious coeducational independent institution Epsom College.
She formerly served as the principal of Croydon High School, a girls’ school in Greater London, for six years.
Monday’s tweet from Epsom College described the Pattisons’ deaths as “shocking and tragic.”
The statement continued, “The College community will gather today to process the news, grieve, and pay respects to a wonderful Head.”
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