Pregnant mum, 35, found dead in burning van ‘was alive when fire started’
A man has been charged with murder after a pregnant woman was found dead inside a burning van in Wales earlier this month.
The body of Samantha Natalie Phythian, known as Sammi, was discovered in the van on Gas Works Lane in Prestatyn on 4 October.
At an inquest into her death this week, John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, said the 35-year-old was pronounced dead at 11.30pm and was identified through her DNA, WalesOnline reports.
Home Office consultant pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers said Sammi's provisional cause of death is ‘inhalation of smoke and fire gases’.
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Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell, 38, has been charged with murder. He is set to enter a formal plea on 27 November, with a provisional trial date scheduled for April next year.
North Wales police confirmed that a second man, 47, has been arrested.
Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley stated: "Our investigations into this incident are moving at pace, and we are currently exploring every avenue of information open to us.
"I would like to thank those members of the community who have already contacted us, and ask that anyone else who has any information, however small to contact us via our live webchat or on 101 quoting reference number 26000816112."
Dunkerley added: “My thoughts are with Sammi’s family and friends. I would also urge the community to be careful of commenting anything which would add to the family’s distress or interfere with the ongoing active legal proceedings.”
In a tribute, Sammi’s family described her as a ‘much-loved mum, daughter, sister, auntie and friend’.
The family said: “Samantha, who everyone knows as Sammi, will be remembered for the special place she held in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.
“Her tragic and untimely death has left her family and friends devastated, struggling to come to terms with the loss of someone who meant so much to so many.
“No family should ever have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such circumstances.
“While her life has been cruelly cut short, the memories she created, the love she gave and the lives she touched will never be forgotten.
“She will forever be cherished by those who loved her, and she will be deeply missed.
“As a family, we would like to ask people to be mindful and respectful of rumours circulating over social media platforms at this devastating time.”
Anish Vij