Man, 21, is charged with murder of PCSO Julia James who was found dead in Kent woodland
- PCSO Julia James, 53, was found dead near to Akholt Woods, Kent, on April 27
- Callum Wheeler, aged 21, from Aylesham, in Kent, was arrested on Friday, May 7
- He has now been charged with Ms James’ murder, Kent Police confirmed tonight
Detectives investigating the death of PCSO Julia James have tonight charged a man with murder.
Callum Wheeler, 21, from Aylesham, Kent, has been charged over the 53-year-old’s death.
Ms James was found dead next to Akholt Wood in Snowdown just before 4pm on Tuesday, April 27.
Detectives investigating the death of PCSO Julia James have tonight charged a man. Callum Wheeler, 21, from Aylesham has been charged with the 53-year-old’s murder
Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate arrested the 21-year-old on Friday.
Today the Crown Prosecution Service have authorised a charge of murder.
Mr Wheeler remains in custody. He is due to appear via video link at Medway Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
It comes after the daughter of Ms James earlier backed calls for a doorstep clap to recognise the ‘hard work and dedication’ of police as detectives continue enquiries.
Bethan Coles, a serving officer herself, backed an idea put forward by locals who plan to take to their doorsteps for a minute’s applause similar to the clap for our carers campaign during the pandemic.
They plan to hold the tribute at 7pm on Tuesday to thank the police.
PCSO Julia James was murdered on April 27 as she walked her beloved dog Toby
On a Facebook post advertising the idea, Bethan said: ‘This is a lovely way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all the officers involved.
‘I am so thankful of everything they have done so far.’
Mrs James’ husband Paul, 57, changed his Facebook profile picture yesterday to he and Mrs James and wrote: ‘I miss you so much Luvly xxx’. It is believed to be the first time Mr James has commented.
He also used a ‘Help us find #justiceforjulia’ frame around the picture – which Mrs James’ son in law Chase Coles said more than 8,600 have added to help the family’s appeal.
