An 88-year-old man, William Haxworth, was found by a jury to have unlawfully killed his wife of more than six decades by smothering her at their home—a case described by the presiding judge as profoundly tragic.
At Bristol Crown Court, the charges against Haxworth for murder were presented, but he was declared unfit to stand trial due to his fluctuating mental health. The jury was instructed that they did not need to determine guilt or innocence but instead confirmed that he committed the act.
Judge William Hart expressed sorrow over the case, acknowledging the pain felt by both families: “This is a tragic case, whatever perspective you take, and both William and Delia’s loved ones deserve our deepest sympathy.”
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Events leading up to the incident included Haxworth being seen on June 18, 2024, in Bath, threatening to jump from scaffolding. During rescue efforts, he admitted to firefighters and bystanders that he had killed his wife.
Authorities discovered Mrs. Delia Haxworth, aged 85, unresponsive in their home on Upper Lansdown Mews. A note attributed to William Haxworth was found, reading: “It all became too much. Please forgive me and wonderful Dil. It all seemed lacking in point. You’ve all been so wonderful too. And so many kind neighbours. Forgive. Forgive. Will.”
A post-mortem confirmed that Mrs. Haxworth had died from smothering. Fire service official Lee Harding recounted that Haxworth spoke tenderly of his “wife of 62 years whom I love very much” and confessed, “I had to kill her and now it’s my turn.”
Previously, Mrs. Haxworth had been hospitalized for a head injury after a fall, but this was not linked to her death. Medical experts considered her frailty moderate and noted she was generally independent, with no signs of recurring cancer.
Judge Hart clarified that Haxworth’s unfitness for trial stemmed from his unstable mental state, though it did not fully align with serious psychiatric illness. His condition has varied markedly in recent months, and the court will reassess his status at a hearing on October 28.
Defense counsel Anna Vigars KC reported that Haxworth has since been living under family care and receiving support from local mental health services, having previously spent time in custody and psychiatric care.
The defendant remains on conditional bail pending further proceedings later this year.