MAN, 56, CHARGED WITH MURDER AFTER WOMAN’S BODY WAS FOUND IN A BIKE SHED

A 56-year-old man has been charged with murder after the body of a 51-year-old woman was discovered at a residential address in Bournemouth earlier this year.

The victim has been identified as Mackala Higgins, who was found at an address in the Bournemouth area.

Emergency services attended the property, but despite efforts to save her, the 51-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have now announced a major development in the investigation.

MAN CHARGED AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION

Richard Sean Ball, 56, of Bournemouth, has been charged with the murder of Mackala Higgins.

According to Dorset Police, Ball had previously been arrested and charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body.

Following further and extensive enquiries, detectives liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised an additional charge of murder.

Ball, who is a British national, remains in custody and is due to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

The development comes after investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding Higgins’ death and the discovery of her body.

SECOND ARREST

Police have also arrested a woman in her 30s on suspicion of assisting an offender.

She has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

At this stage, police have not publicly detailed the nature of the alleged assistance or released further information about the woman’s involvement.

POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Jenkins said investigators remain in contact with Higgins’ family and loved ones.

“Our thoughts remain very much with the family and loved ones of Mackala Higgins and we have continued to keep the family updated with developments,” Jenkins said.

She confirmed that the murder charge followed further investigative work and consultation with prosecutors.

Police also issued a warning to the public as the case moves through the courts.

Jenkins urged people not to make comments — particularly online or on social media — that could potentially prejudice the ongoing proceedings.

“This matter remains the subject of active court proceedings,” police said.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Dorset Police, quoting occurrence number 55260097894. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The latest charge marks a significant development in the investigation into Higgins’ death, but many details surrounding the case have not yet been made public.

Ball is now facing a murder allegation and will have the opportunity to respond to the charge through the court process.

The investigation remains ongoing, while officers continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened to Mackala Higgins.

For now, police are urging the public to allow the judicial process to take its course.

A woman was found dead. Months later, a 56-year-old man is facing a murder charge — as investigators continue searching for answers in a case that has left a family grieving.