Man charged with PCSO Julia James murder is remanded into custody
Ms James died of serious head injuries while out walking with her dog in Snowdown, Kent, on April 27.
A man charged with the murder of PCSO Julia James has been remanded into custody following his first court appearance.
Callum Wheeler, 21, from Aylesham, is accused of killing mum-of-two Ms James who died of serious head injuries while out walking with her dog Toby in Snowdown, Kent, on April 27.
He appeared in person at Medway Magistrates’ Court after his arrest on Friday, and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
The suspect has now been remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, May 13.
Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said this week police are not ‘actively’ seeking any further suspects in connection with Ms James’ death.
He said: ‘I am keeping all options open, it’s a huge step forward in the investigation, a breakthrough, that we have arrested somebody.
‘I have no information to suggest at this stage that anyone else involved in this offence. We are not at this stage looking actively to make any further arrests.’
It comes after the mother’s devastated family paid tribute to her, describing her as ‘fiercely loyal’ person who ‘loved with her whole heart’.
In a statement released on Friday, they said: ‘There are no words to adequately describe the void left in our lives by the death of our mum.
‘She was so much to so many people; a wife, mother, daughter, nanny, sister and a friend.
‘Mum was fiercely loyal, she loved with her whole heart and nothing was too much trouble for the people she cared about.’
The heartbroken family added: ‘Her loss will be felt by us every moment of every day. She will be so sorely missed.
‘As a family we are trying to understand how we will navigate our lives without her, it seems an impossible task.’
Ms James was a popular member of the community who worked with local domestic violence and abuse charity Rising Sun.
Chief executive Fran Ellis has described her as ‘kind, caring and generous’.
Large police teams have been pictured searching grassland near an address in Sunshine Corner Avenue, Aylesham, Kent in connection with the officer’s death.
Officers used poles to search through undergrowth, while a row of houses nearby was cordoned off and a forensic van was spotted nearby.
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