Oxford and Oxfordshire news, sport and information updated throughout the day

Shooting tragedy relatives quizzed

From the archive, first published Wednesday 9th Apr 2003.

Detectives have visited Norwich to quiz relatives of a man who shot his wife in the head before turning the gun on himself in Oxford.

Shane Marklew, 33, of Pulham Market, Norfolk, killed his wife Phillipa Shephard in front of the couple's two young boys, aged 18 months and three, in Kiln Lane, Risinghurst.

He had driven to Oxford in his silver Volvo and argued with his wife, 33, in the street before shooting her with a sawn-off shotgun. He then turned the weapon on himself.

Four officers visited Norwich on Monday, April 7, to speak to relatives and try to determine what had been the catalyst for Mr Marklew's actions.

Friday's shootings took place a short distance from Ms Shephard's parents' house in Netherwoods Road.

The people of Pulham Market spoke of their shock. A neighbour of Mr Marklew, who asked not to be identified, said he could not believe what had happened.

He said: "He struck me as a bolshy, bullying type, but never the sort of person who would do that. I just did not think he was capable of that sort of thing.

"They split up about two months ago, but I never really heard them arguing."

Archive Home