Man admits killing three people during five-day murder spree

A man has pleaded guilty to a murder spree during which he killed three people in five days.

Anthony Russell, 39, had previously denied murdering Julie Williams, 58, her son David Williams, 32, and Nicole McGregor, 31, in October 2020.

Williams and her son were found dead in separate flats on Riley Square in Coventry, Warwickshire, on 25 and 26 October.

David Williams had been reported missing to police on 24 October.

His mother was found dead in her home just before 11pm on Sunday, 25 October, after concerns were raised for her welfare.

The body of her son was found at around 11.30pm the day after.

McGregor's body was discovered in Newbold Comyn woodlands, in nearby Leamington Spa, three days later.

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The killings triggered a huge police operation and Russell was arrested in Rolleston-on-Dove, Staffordshire, on 30 October after a large-scale manhunt.

The defendant, of no fixed address, was due to go on trial at Warwick Crown Court on Monday, however he changed his pleas to guilty at a pre-trial hearing on Friday.

He will still stand trial accused of one count of rape.