Stephen Baxter

A Man has been charged with murdering a married couple found dead at their seaside home, Essex Police said.

The bodies of Stephen Baxter , 61, and Carol Baxter , 64, were discovered at the property on Victory Road , West Mersea, near Colchester, on 9 April.

Luke D'Wit, 33, of Churchfields, West Mersea, has been charged with murder, possession of a Class A drug, and theft.

He is due to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Police said two Other People arrested in connection with The Incident , A Man and A Woman , have been released on bail.

Det Insp Lydia George, said: " This is a significant development in our investigation as we piece together the circumstances around the deaths of Carol and Stephen. "

The couple's deaths were initially treated as " unexpected and not suspicious" but The Force said it had changed direction after an " extensive investigation and toxicology analysis" conducted as part of during a post-mortem examination.

Tests showed the couple had ingested the synthetic opioid drug fentanyl.

A brief inquest hearing at The Coroner 's court in Chelmsford on Thursday heard Ms Baxter died from " combined fentanyl and promethazine toxicity with terminal bronchopneumonia".

A cause of death of " cardiomegaly and alcoholic liver disease with fentanyl intoxication" was recorded for Mr Baxter.

The inquest was adjourned pending the ongoing police investigation.

The couple were directors of Cazsplash, a firm which produces shower mats and bathroom accessories.

Source of news: bbc.com