Elderly Man Accused of Smothering Wife Leaves Heartbreaking Note, Unfit for Trial

An 87-year-old man, William Haxworth, is facing accusations of murdering his wife of over 60 years, Delia. During court proceedings at Bristol Crown Court, it was revealed that Haxworth has been declared unfit to stand trial. Prosecutor Andrew Langdon KC presented the case to the jury, which only needs to determine whether he "did the acts charged against him". The incidents unfolded in Bath city centre, where witnesses observed Haxworth threatening to jump off scaffolding on June 18, 2024. Upon his confession to bystanders and firefighters that he had killed his wife, police discovered Mrs. Haxworth's body at their residence.

Furthermore, a poignant note was found that appeared to be written by Haxworth, in which he expressed feelings of despair and asked for forgiveness. The note indicated a deep sense of emotional turmoil, as he wrote about the overwhelming nature of life and mentioned the kindness of their neighbors. A post-mortem examination indicated that Delia Haxworth had been smothered. The prosecutor aimed to connect the evidence from the pathologist's report, the circumstances of Delia’s discovery, and the contents of the note to prove the murder charge.

Lee Harding, a fire service watch manager present at the scene, recounted Haxworth's words about his love for his wife and the justification he claimed for her death due to her severe illness. Medical expert Amanda Jeffrey confirmed details regarding Mrs. Haxworth’s health before her death, noting a recent hospitalization due to a fall that did not contribute to her demise. The judge in the case clarified that the jurors' task was not to determine guilt or innocence, but to establish whether the defendant acted unlawfully in killing his wife. Their deliberations were framed within the context of Haxworth's mental health, with the trial expected to conclude shortly.