A 49-year-old man has appeared in court charged with two counts of murder after two women died following a suspected stabbing in Milton Keynes on Christmas Day.
Jazwell Brown, 49, has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count each of possession of a knife blade or sharp-pointed article in a public place, and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, a police dog. Brown appeared in court wearing a grey tracksuit. He spoke only to confirm his name, age and address and was remanded in custody.
The magistrate, Bernard Crossey, held a short silence out of respect for the victims after the hearing. Brown will next appear at Luton crown court on Tuesday.
Thames Valley police were called to a block of flats on Santa Cruz Avenue, the street where Brown lived, in Bletchley on Wednesday at about 6.30pm after reports of a stabbing.
Formal identification has yet to take place but police confirmed that the two women who died at the scene were Joanne Pearson, 38, and Teohna Grant, 24. Bradley Latter, 29, and a teenage boy were taken to hospital with serious injuries, and were both said to be in a stable condition.
A Thames Valley police spokesperson said: “We continue to support the families at this difficult time, and our thoughts are with them. The families would ask for their privacy to be respected at this time.”
A large cordon was in place at the scene on Thursday and a forensics team could be seen entering and walking up the stairs of a block of flats. Numbered yellow evidence markers and first-aid kits were on the road and pavement outside, and on the boot of a car parked on the adjoining street.
DCI Stuart Brangwin, the senior investigating officer, previously said: “Firstly, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the women who have tragically died in this shocking incident.
“Members of the public will see a large police presence in the area while our investigation takes place. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to approach our officers and they will do their best to help.”
The dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, that was injured in the incident and had been reported dead has in fact survived, the force added.