Jessica Patel’s body was found at her Victorian semi-detached house in the Avenue in Linthorpe on Monday, the 14th. Patel, 34, was originally from Leeds and had recently moved to Linthorpe, Middlesborough, where she ran the Roman Road Pharmacy with her husband Mitesh, 36. Mitesh Patel, of the Avenue, appeared before Teesside Magistrates' Court earlier charged with murder. The 36-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday.
The prosecutor, Rehana Haque, told the court that Patel faced an “allegation of murder”. Handcuffed and flanked by two security officers, one sitting beside and another behind throughout the short hearing, Patel spoke only to confirm his name and address at the preliminary hearing.
Forensic experts have been working at the Patel residenceas well as the Roman Road Pharmacy where the couple worked. A statement by Cleveland Police noted that according to a post-mortem examination,Jessica Patel suffered "serious injuries" prior to her death. However, the police are not releasing the cause of the death for 'investigation purposes'.
Before the announcement of an arrest, Detective Superintendent Tariq Ali said, “The murder happened in a quiet area of town, where local people have been left shocked by what has happened in their neighbourhood.” He added, “We know that Jessica was a well-liked and well-respected member of the local community, and that a lot of people knew her from working at the pharmacy.”
In a tribute to Jessica, her family said, "We have lost Jessica, a kind-hearted, gentle and selfless person who was loved dearly by her family and friends. She was completely dedicated to all of her family and her loss has brought an unbearable pain”.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting event number 85888.
