Man accused of murder after mother’s body found in car

Jerome McDonald, 30, of Fairlands Avenue in Croydon, south London, is accused of killing Janelle Duncan-Bailey.

The 25-year-old mother of two went missing in south London in the early hours of Wednesday.

Officers found her body in a
car on Saturday afternoon, in Mayfield Crescent, Thornton Heath.

Ms Duncan-Bailey’s children, boys aged two and seven, were being looked after by a friend in Bromley while she attended a family function on Wednesday, officers said.

She left the friend’s at about 4am to return to Thornton Heath, where, at about 4.30am, she visited her former partner’s home.

Police were called after reports of a domestic incident and Ms Duncan-Bailey left the address with officers.

It is believed she asked to be taken to another friend’s house in Limpsfield Avenue, Thornton Heath, and she was last seen between 5am and 5.30am walking towards flats there.

Ms Duncan-Bailey was reported missing later that day after she failed to collect her children.

Officers went to Mayfield Crescent on Saturday and found Ms Duncan-Bailey’s body in a vehicle parked there.

Police said next of kin have been informed and a post-mortem
examination is yet to be scheduled.

McDonald was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday and was taken to a south London police station for questioning.

He is due to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court today.

Police are still seeking information about Ms Duncan-Bailey’s movements leading up to her death.