Cynthia Beamond killing: Man charged with two murders
A man has appeared in court charged with murdering two pensioners.
Leo Barnes, 32, from Birmingham, is accused of killing Cynthia Beamond, 80, in Halesowen, West Midlands, and Philip Silverstone, 67, in north London.
Mrs Beamond was found dead in her home on Sunday and Mr Silverstone was found dead in Belsize Park, 125 miles away.
Mr Barnes appeared at Dudley Magistrates' Court alongside Chantelle Moran-Stokes, 24, who is also accused of murdering Mrs Beamond.
Both Ms Moran-Stokes, of Latches Close, Darlaston and Mr Barnes, of Runcorn Road, Balsall Heath are due to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday.
West Midlands Police said the body of Mrs Beamond was found "carefully concealed" inside her semi-detached house on Sunday after she was reported missing by members of her family.
A post-mortem examination showed she died from head injuries.
Mr Silverstone, who had been stabbed, was found dead on Monday at his flat in Spencer House, Belsize Park, north-west London, after concerns were raised for his welfare.