Leah Croucher may have died in sexual abuse – investigation – MKFM 106.3FM

An investigation has been launched into the case of Leah Croucher, a girl from Milton Keynes who was missing for over three years before her body was found on October 14, 2022. The cause of death may have been sexual assault.

Leah Croucher, 19, disappeared on her way to work on February 15, 2019. Her remains were found in Furzton, less than half a mile from where she was last seen.

After Leah’s remains were found, police were able to identify only one suspect: 49-year-old Neil Maxwell, a convicted sex offender who died on April 20, 2019, just over two months after Leah disappeared. According to Milton Keynes Coroner’s Court, they were unable to determine a medical cause of death despite extensive tests.

Leah’s remains were found in the attic of a house in Loxbeare Drive, Furzton, after a maintenance worker came to clear up a smell. Coroner Tom Osbourne said her remains had been placed in plastic bags.

Neil Maxwell was associated with the house as he had previously worked there as a maintenance worker. The expatriate owners only used the house occasionally as a holiday home.

At an inquest held at Milton Keynes Coroner’s Court today (19 June), Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, of Thames Valley Police (TVP), was asked if there was a likelihood of the killing being unlawful. His answer was “Absolutely”.

Det Supt Brown also stated that he believed Leah died on the day she disappeared or shortly thereafter.

The inquest heard that TVP first received a call regarding Maxwell in connection with the Leah investigation in May 2019, three months after Leah was reported missing.

The investigation is ongoing.