Kirstie Ellis: what happened in Leeds as man charged with murder of 35-year-old

A man has been charged with the murder of a woman whose body was undiscovered for weeks after her death.

Kirstie Anne Ellis, 35, is believed to have laid at a property in Leeds, for a number of weeks before being found on Friday afternoon (March 25).

Police said they were called to the address in Stanhall Mews, Stanningley, after responding to concerns about her safety.

Her devastated family paid tribute to her calling her a “beautiful soul”.

Has anyone been charged with her murder?

Tony Brooks, aged 35, of Agbrigg Road, Wakefield, has been charged with the murder of Ms Ellis.

He was due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

A 35-year-old woman, who was also arrested in relation to the murder, has been released on police bail.

What has Kirstie’s family said?

Kirstie’s family released a statement speaking of their heartbreak at her death.

They said: “Our lives have been left shattered and turned upside down with the news that no parent wants to hear, that our gorgeous daughter is no longer with us.

“Kirstie Anne Ellis had a beautiful soul, a lover of music, socialising and having fun, her whole family is heartbroken over the loss of such an amazing woman.

“Kirstie had many friends and family who loved her and she will be missed so dearly.

“We would echo the police’s appeal and ask that if anyone has any information no matter how small to come forward and help the investigation.

“We would like to thank the community and the media for their support during this difficult time.”

What have police said?

Detective Chief Inspector Marc Bowes, senior investigating officer at West Yorkshire Police previously said: “This is a tragic case and my thoughts are with Kirstie’s family at this time.

“Our early investigations show that Kirstie’s body had been in the property a number of weeks.

“A post mortem examination will be carried out in due course to establish the cause of her death and specialist officers are offering support to her family.”

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