“Conspiracy to arrest for murder” in case of father missing for more than a year

Police have arrested a woman on suspicion of “conspiracy to murder” in the probe to find a missing Warwickshire father. Stefan Watkins – known as Lee or LeeLee – has not been seen since he left his Warwick home on May 6 last year.

Warwickshire Police’s investigation of more than a year has led to an arrest. A spokesman for the force confirmed that a 45-year-old woman from Warwick was arrested yesterday (July 9) on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

She was taken into custody for questioning. She has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

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It means the investigation into the father’s disappearance continues. Detectives previously said the now 48-year-old has links to Hillfields in Coventry and Warwickshire.

“No sign of life”

There were initial reports he was seen in Coventry in May last year, but detectives say they have found “no sign of life” since he left his home.

But they say they are keeping an “open mind” and have again appealed to the public for help. Senior investigating officer Gareth Unett said: “Initial inquiries suggested Stefan traveled to Coventry in the early hours of May 7 last year.

“Unfortunately, despite significant investigative work, we have no confirmed evidence of life after CCTV showed him leaving his Warwick home.

“We are keeping an open mind and really hope he is alive and well, however the information we have gathered so far suggests he may have done harm.

“This week we arrested a woman in connection with his disappearance and our inquiries continue.”

DI Unett added: “Given the time that has passed, it is important that his partner has closure and we continue to provide him with updates and support.

“If Stefan is alive and well or know anything about where he might be, please contact us through our online portal or anonymously through Crimestoppers. It was the King’s coronation the day Stephen left home, so hopefully this might help jog people’s memory.

“Any information, no matter how small, could prove crucial to our ongoing investigation. Please help us get answers for Stefan’s loved ones.”

Anyone with information can submit it through the portal, on the force’s website or pass details anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

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