A friend of murdered Elie grandmother Valerie Richardson has spoken of the “rumours” that continue to circulate around the close-knit Fife community, a week on from the discovery of two bodies in a flat in the village.
The 49-year-old was found dead by police officers, who broke into the woman’s home after responding to concerns raised a neighbour.The body of 39-year-old former DJ Ross Thom was also found at the scene.
A post mortem examination revealed Valerie had been murdered, with Police Scotland confirming Mr Thom’s death was being treated as “unexplained but not suspicious” and nobody else is being sought in connection to the incident.
Friend Lorraine McCormick, who had known Valerie for around five years, said there had been much “idle gossip” among the community regarding the deaths and the relationship between the pair.
East Neuk village community in shock as two die in apparent murder-suicide
“All the rumours that were going about are simply not true,” she said.
“They were just friends and she was very good to him and kept him on the straight and narrow.
“She always saw the good in most people but unfortunately this time she was wrong.”
She added: “I’ve known Val for around five years. She had a very challenging time latterly in her life, she went through breast cancer treatment alone several years ago but she came through it and didn’t let it get her down.
“She struggled on herself, she was very independent and although I offered my help to her on several occasions, she always turned it down.
“We had lots of laughs along the way and had sons the same age so we were always bragging about them.”
The family of the murdered grandmother, who are yet to make a formal public statement, said they have been left devastated by the horrific and brutal nature of their loved one’s death.
“We have yet to find the words to fully describe their loss or our dismay over how it had been reported in some sections of the media,” said one family member.
Detective Inspector Chris Mill from Levenmouth CID said: “We understand that these deaths have come as a great shock, not only to the local community in Elie but to the families of both individuals.
“This appears to have been an isolated incident and no other individuals are being sought in connection with these deaths.”
The flat remains sealed off as officers continue their investigation.
