Man Charged with Murder of Missing Woman in Cambridgeshire

Julie Buckley, 54, has been missing since late January; authorities believe she may have come to serious harm.

A 47-year-old man, Karl Hutchings, has been charged with the murder of 54-year-old Julie Buckley, who has been missing since late January.

Buckley, from the village of Christchurch in Cambridgeshire, was last seen in late January, prompting officials from Cambridgeshire Police to initiate a no-body murder investigation, as they now believe she is likely to have come to serious harm.

In a statement, Cambridgeshire Police expressed their commitment to finding Buckley, noting that their primary aim has been to locate her alive.

However, evidence collected during the investigation has led them to take this new direction.

Detective Inspector Richard Stott emphasized the importance of gathering additional information, urging anyone who may have seen Buckley in the weeks leading up to her disappearance to come forward.

He indicated that she has connections to several areas in the region, including March, Manea, and Chatteris, and called on local residents to consider any relevant details that could assist the investigation.

The police are in contact with Buckley’s family, providing them with regular updates as the investigation proceeds.

Hutchings made his initial court appearance at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

He is scheduled to appear next before Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday.

In connection with the ongoing investigation, authorities have also arrested a 49-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, both from Christchurch, on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They are currently in custody as part of the inquiry.

Cambridgeshire Police are appealing for public assistance in the case.

Individuals with any information are encouraged to contact the investigation team through their dedicated online portal or via telephone at 101, referencing Operation Dragonfish.