Human remains found in Cambridgeshire field as neighbour admits murdering missing woman Julie Buckley

Authorities say human remains have been found in a field in the Cambridgeshire village of Wimblington as the murder investigation into Julie Buckley progresses. Buckley, 55, was last seen alive on January 28 after being captured on CCTV at a Budgens supermarket in the nearby village of March, not far from her home in Christchurch, Wisbech. Police launched a murder inquiry in February after investigators found blood at Buckley’s bungalow and forensic links tied to her disappearance.

Detectives said the discovery followed a tip-off from the legal team representing Karl Hutchings, 48, who this week admitted murdering Buckley in what investigators described as a significant development in the case. The remains were located in a field in Wimblington and are yet to be formally identified. A post‑mortem examination is due to take place next week, and the site is expected to remain closed while investigators continue forensic checks. Buckley’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

investigators earlier revealed that Buckley may have come to serious harm around the end of January. A field search in Wimblington followed the discovery of information from Hutchings’ legal team about a potential burial site. Authorities have said the remains were found in relation to the period Buckley was last known to be alive between January 28 and January 30, and they have not ruled out the possibility that Buckley was killed in late January after which her bank cards were used and some of her possessions sold.

The chronology of the case shows Hutchings was charged on February 16 with murdering Buckley between January 20 and January 31. He appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on March 19 and entered a plea of not guilty at that time. On Tuesday, Hutchings changed his plea and admitted murdering Buckley; he is due to be sentenced on October 24. DCI Richard Stott noted that the development would help bring some closure to Buckley’s family, even as investigators continue to pursue the exact location of her remains. "Julie’s family have been informed of this significant update and are being supported by specially trained officers," Stott said.

The investigation has included ongoing searches of waterways near Christchurch, including the Bedlam Bridge and Boots Bridge areas over the Sixteen Foot Bank drainage channel, where dive teams have conducted extensive work. A fisherman previously found what was believed to be human hair in the water, but DNA testing indicated it did not originate from Buckley. Police have renewed appeals for dashcam footage or other information from people who were in the March and Christchurch areas on January 29 and 30.

Two people from Christchurch—a 49-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman—were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with the case and remain under investigation. Authorities emphasize that the investigation is ongoing as officers work to confirm the identity of the remains and determine the precise circumstances surrounding Buckley’s disappearance and death.