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Family of Ann Widdecombe Announces Public Memorial
A 28-year-old man faces murder charges as police investigate a potential political or terrorist motive for the fatal attack on the former MP.
Ann Widdecombe's family announced a private funeral service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, with a public memorial to follow later this year.
Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with murdering the 78-year-old former Conservative minister, who died July 9 at her home in Haytor, Devon.
Prosecutors allege Kerry entered Widdecombe's home on July 8 while she was eating lunch and struck her 21 times with a hammer, causing fatal head injuries.
Detectives continue investigating whether political or terrorist motives prompted the attack, as police remain present around the Haytor home of the former Brexit Party MEP.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP in Kent beginning in 1987 and later gained fame on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother before becoming a Reform UK spokeswoman.