The manager of the care home where Ronald King shot his wife has expressed “relief” the trial is over – and called on others to hand over old service weapons to avoid a similar “tragedy”.
Julie Curtis, who runs De La Mer House in Walton, said that King’s plans to kill his sister and himself meant the incident could have been “even more awful”.
Mrs Curtis said: “All of this is absolutely tragic. No-one can believe this could happen, and I am very relieved it is all over.
“Rita’s life had improved in the home, when she was getting her medication and could be washed and cared for.
“The saddest thing is her face lit up when Ron came into the room. They were devoted to each other.
“The unfortunate circumstance with this was he had a gun. If he didn’t this would never have happened.
“I would like to think if there are others aware of a gun left over from the war they will go and hand it in – they are usable and will kill people.
“Police have told me there are likely hundreds out there. It could happen again.
“If there are any grandads out there showing their grandchildren, it would be lovely for the children to tell them to hand it in because it is dangerous.
“The one person who could have prevented this tragedy was Ronald if he had handed over the gun when he was of sound mind.”
Mrs Curtis referenced Ian Dibell, the off-duty police officer shot dead in Clacton four years ago on Saturday who was killed with an old First World War revolver.
“There was no indication Ron was ill,” she said, adding it was odd when he left his wife after initially moving into the home without telling her he was going.
She also said that homes have no right to search residents or visitors.
Rita’s family said in a statement: “The tragedy of what happened has had an impact on the whole family. We are a large but close family.
“We would never have imagined what happened to Rita. It has shocked us all and left us deeply saddened.
“We know her last months in the De La Mer home were happy and she was well looked after.
“She used to love sitting watching the birds, especially when they used the bird bath. We are sure she still watches them now she is at rest.”
Detective Inspector Alan Pitcher, senior investigating officer for Essex Police, said: “I would like to pay tribute to Ronald and Rita’s families for the support they have provided to our investigation and the dignity they have shown throughout.
“This is a particularly sad and tragic case and my thoughts are very much with them at this time.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here