Please bookmark for future updates
Kirsty Carless, 33, charged after death of Louis Price, 31, on Christmas Day
A 33-year-old woman has been charged with murder after the death of a man on Christmas Day in Staffordshire.
Officers were called to a property in Norton Canes, near Cannock, at about 3.25am on Wednesday, where Louis Price, 31, was in cardiac arrest. Despite medical efforts, Price died a short time later.
Kirsty Carless is due to appear at North Staffordshire justice centre on Saturday charged with his murder.
Neighbours said Price had lived in the house with his parents, the Manchester Evening News reported. “His poor parents were away on holiday when it happened,” one neighbour said. “They will be absolutely devastated and my heart goes out to them.”
“It has shocked and saddened the whole little community here,” she added. “It is beyond belief.”
Another neighbour told the Express and Star: “We’re all a bit shocked, to be honest, because it’s not something you expect to happen on your own doorstep.” Another woman said: “I just can’t believe what has happened as it’s just a shock and he seemed like a nice lad and had been around my own kids in the past as well.”
Floral tributes have been left at the scene, while tributes have also been paid to Price on social media, with one friend saying: “Always there when I needed you! Thank you for always having my back and making me laugh!”
Staffordshire police said residents might notice an “increased presence of neighbourhood officers in the area as they provide reassurance and help to gather evidence”.
Police previously confirmed that a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after recent contact.
In a statement on Friday, his family described him as a “well-known member of the community” who was “well-loved” and always smiling.
They said: “He always had time for anyone and would help anyone he could.
“Louis was a devoted fisherman, he had a passion for fishing and regularly went away on trips with friends and family.
“He loved football, he played for a team and was a lifelong supporter of Aston Villa.”
