Remains identified as missing Cambridgeshire woman; man to be sentenced after guilty plea

The remains of Julie Buckley, a 54-year-old woman who had been missing from Cambridgeshire, have been found in a field, police said. Buckley disappeared after last being seen shopping in the town of March on January 28. Concerns for her welfare were raised in early February, and investigators found bloodstains at her home in Christchurch as part of the inquiry.

Detectives investigating the murder were informed by the defense team representing Karl Hutchings, 48, of The Hill in Christchurch, about a possible burial site. Following that information, investigators located Buckley’s remains off Blue Lane in Wimblington, where forensic work confirmed her identity. A post-mortem examination has not established the cause of death, but Buckley’s death is being treated within the homicide investigation.

Cambridgeshire Police said they believe Buckley was killed on January 30, and that Hutchings subsequently used her bank cards and sold her possessions. Hutchings had initially denied involvement but changed his plea to guilty at Cambridge Crown Court last week. He is due to be sentenced on October 24.

Det Ch Insp Richard Stott said: "Julie’s family have been made aware of the post-mortem results, which were inconclusive on the cause of death, and are being supported by specially trained officers. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time." The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather and review evidence related to the case.