Election night murder investigation appeal

Inc 156 Thursday 5 May

Police appealing for witness information following the murder of Bedworth resident James Patrick Fenton, 48 years, outside his home in Charles Eaton Road, Bedworth on Election Night, Thursday May 5, are asking residents to recall if they heard anything unusual.

A post mortem examination carried out on Mr Fenton has shown that he died from two gunshot wounds to the head. They were fired at close range and probably in fast succession at approximately 9.40pm on Thursday 5 May (Election night).

Mr Fenton died almost immediately, but lay undiscovered in his car until 9.30am on Friday morning, 6 May, when his body, which was slumped across the front seat of his silver coloured 206 car , was spotted by a passer-by. The car headlights remained on and the engine had been running throughout the night until he was found some 12 hours later.

He had lived in Bedworth for many years and was married but was separated from his wife. The couple have three children aged 17 years, 21 years and 24 years.

Detective Superintendent Ken Lawrence, who is leading the enquiry into Mr Fenton's death said he did not consider that this was a random attack and believes the killer must have been waiting for Mr Fenton to return home.

"Members of the public are coming forward and helping us with information by reporting things which have aroused their suspicions.

"Mr Fenton was shot dead in a residential street on a warm Spring evening. It was Election Night, which is a significant date for people to recall what they were doing. We know a number of people heard the shots that killed Mr Fenton while they were in their living room at home, perhaps watching television, out were outside taking the dog for a walk or returning from casting their vote.

"Some of these people have said that at the time they did not realise what they heard perhaps thinking it was a car backfiring. Others have described the noise as being similar to a minor car bump accompanied by the sound of breaking glass.

"We want to hear from anyone else who heard a noise at some time between 9.30pm - 9.45pm who was then prompted to look out of the window to see what it was. We want to know what you saw.

"It may be that at the time you did not consider what you saw or heard to be significant, but in hindsight of what we now know about Mr Fenton that information could be a vital part of the jigsaw.

And Det Supt Lawrence confirmed that a team of 50 police officers were now working on the enquiry to trace the killer.

He also confirmed that Warwickshire officers are liasing with colleagues from neighbouring forces including Coventry to see if there are any links with incidents in other force areas, although no definte links had been made.

Anyone who has any information about the shooting is asked to contact the Murder Incident Room at Nuneaton Police Station on 02476 483089 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where the information can be left anonymously.

Links to previous releases
7 May 2005 -- Police name man found dead in car
6 May 2005 -- Murder enquiry launched after man's body found