Double Murder-Suicide at Epsom College: Head and Daughter Fatally Shot

HomeNewsDouble Murder-Suicide at Epsom College: Head and Daughter Fatally Shot

According to reports, a TOP private school headteacher called a family member in distress hours before she was discovered dead.

Emma Pattison, head of the prestigious Epsom College in Surrey, was discovered at around 1 a.m. on Sunday, next to her husband George and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie.

According to the BBC, she had called a relative earlier that evening to express her concerns about her partner.

All three were dead by the time they arrived at the house, which is surrounded by other properties occupied by college staff and close to the prestigious school’s rifle range.

The cause of death has not been disclosed, but cops are confident that no one else was involved in the “isolated” incident.

They confirmed the discovery of a firearm registered to George at the scene and are treating the tragedy as a double murder and suicide.

Detectives believe George, 39, murdered his wife Emma, 45, and their child Lettie before killing himself.

He is believed to have shot them dead before turning the same gun on himself.

The chartered accountant had recently updated his shotgun license.

ALSO READ: Tragic Incident at Epsom College: Head, Husband, and Daughter Found Dead

He had only recently contacted police about his weapon to notify officers of a change of address.

Cops said it was “routine,” but because of the timing of the update, the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

“This is an incredibly traumatic incident, and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances that led to this point,” Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, Senior Investigating Officer on the case, said today.

“We understand the public’s concern and outrage, and we will clarify what we can when we can while respecting the families of those who have died.

“About the referral we made, we are fully cooperating with the IOPC, and we await the outcome of its assessment of what further action may be required.”

The tragedy shook the community and left those who knew the “lovely” family devastated.

“It’s just shocking and unimaginable,” one former neighbor said.

“I am utterly heartbroken over this awful news,” Chloe Rathbone, 27, a nursery worker who looked after Lettie, told The Times.

“They were such a lovely family, and Lettie was perfect in every way, everything a little girl could have wished for.”

‘SHOCKWAVES IN THE COMMUNITY

After six years at Croydon High School in South London, Emma became the first female head of the £42,000-a-year Epsom College in September 2022.

According to Companies House, she lived on-site with her daughter, Labrador puppy Bella, and chartered accountant husband George, who ran a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016.

Despite moving to Epsom from their £1.5 million Caterham home last year, the Pattisons are said to have only recently finished transporting their belongings.

In recent weeks, removal vans were seen outside their four-bedroom detached home, where they had lived since 2014.

ALSO READ: Emma Pattison: Headteacher of Elite School Found Dead

Epsom and Ewell Borough Commander Inspector Jon Vale stated: “I’m aware that this incident has caused consternation and shock in the local community.

“Although we are confident that this incident was contained to a single address and that there is no danger to the general public, I understand the concern that this can and has caused members of our communities.

“As a result, the public can expect to see increased police presence in the surrounding area in the coming days.”

READ MORE: