The 93-year-old woman who was found dead in a house has been named as police launch a murder investigation. Judith Zussman, known as Judy, was found dead at a house on Altrincham Road, Gatley, in Greater Manchester, on Wednesday morning.
Police have arrested a 39-year-old woman on suspicion of murder. The “adored” grandmother’s family shared a heartbreaking tribute which praised Judy for her kindness, saying: “Judy was a much loved and devoted wife to her late husband Jack, and an adored sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her family meant the world to her.”
“We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support at this tragic time. We kindly ask for privacy as we process our sad loss.” Great Manchester Police revealed the suspect was detained under the Mental Health Act, according to Manchester Evening News.
Police rushed to the home at 9:38am and put a cordon in place while they launched an investigation and searched the property.
Great Manchester Police revealed the case has since been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previous contact. Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Adam Hitchen said: “The priority for our investigation is understanding the full circumstances which led to this tragic incident and getting justice for the victim.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, who are aware and are being supported by specialist officers. We recognise that this investigation may cause concern within the local community, but I want to assure the public that this is an isolated incident, with a swift arrest made, and no wider threat.”
Hitchen added there would be more police officers in the local area to “provide reassurance to those living close by”.
The MP for Cheadle, Tom Morrison, said: “No one should ever have to experience such a loss, and I know the whole community will share in the sense of shock and sadness at [yesterday’s] news.”
Judy was the widow of well-known mineralogist Professor Jack Zussman, a former head of department at the University of Manchester. Jack died last August aged 100.
A photo of the couple showed them together last summer as the celebrated Jack’s 100th birthday. Judy and Jack had attended the Menorah Synagogue in Sharston, Wythenshawe, since 1975.
The couple met in 1959, when Judy was a nursing sister at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. They married in 1960 and had three children, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Police have asked anyone with information to call 101 and quote the log number 726 of April 16.
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