Man arrested over Bradford prostitute murders

[Supreme]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bradford_and_west_yorkshire/10163998.stm

A 40-year-old man is being questioned by police on suspicion of murdering three women sex workers in Bradford after body parts were found in a river.

Police said the man was arrested on suspicion of killing Suzanne Blamires, 36, who was last seen on Friday.

He is also suspected of killing Shelley Armitage, 31, and Susan Rushworth, 43.

The BBC understands remains found in the River Aire in Shipley on Tuesday are those of Ms Blamires, although they have not been formally identified.

Ms Armitage, from Allerton, Bradford, has been missing since 26 April and Ms Rushworth, from the Manningham area, has not been seen since June 2009.

Police are also investigating possible links to the case of Rebecca Hall, 19, who worked as a prostitute in the city and was killed in 2001.

What an evil, evil man. Killing three women. Granted, they were prostitutes and likely drug addicts (and alcoholics), but whatever lifestyle or whatever profession they were part of, they did not deserve to die like this.

 

[ardianto]

Is there any information about what was the motif behind these murder cases ?

 

[Supreme]

Is there any information about what was the motif behind these murder cases ?

In court today, referred to himself as the 'crossbow cannibal'. He probably killed the women for his own sadistic satisfaction, just he has given himself a nickname for his own sadistic desires.

 

[ardianto]

In court today, referred to himself as the 'crossbow cannibal'. He probably killed the women for his own sadistic satisfaction, just he has given himself a nickname for his own sadistic desires.

Thanks for your info. I think he targeted prostitutes because prostitutes are easy targets. A man can brings prostitutes anywhere if they agree with the payment.

 

[glo]

What a horrific story!

I found this on 'Beyond the Streets', a UK charity working to end sex trafficking, prostitution and sexual exploitation.

Mark Wakeling from Beyond the Streets, a network of grassroots projects which address the needs of those in prostitution, said “Each one is a daughter; some are sisters; all are valuable people. Whilst we await further details of the terrible events we need to remember the vulnerability of those caught up on the streets and the need to campaign for their safety and justice.”

Rachel Davies from CARE said “For the majority of women, men and children who are in the sex industry, prostitution is survival and not a lifestyle choice. There is a need to address the factors that push people into prostitution in the UK - inequality, lack of opportunity, poverty, drug dependency and abuse of vulnerability.”

“This tragedy further highlights the need for the Government to adequately resource projects that address the needs of people in prostitution and offer help to exit for those who wish to do so. Further work must also be done to tackle the demand for prostitution. Whilst this case has been thrust into all the news channels, women are experiencing regular severe violence each week which does not get reported.”

Mark Wakeling also commented “Everyday, other daughters are exposed to inherent risks of prostitution and are caught in a vicious circle which is difficult to escape from. As this story unfolds, let’s not forget those who have lost their lives and those that fear for them in the future.”

 

[Supreme]

A man charged with the murders of three Bradford women has referred to himself as the "crossbow cannibal" in court.

Stephen Griffiths, 40, is accused of murdering prostitutes Suzanne Blamires, Shelley Armitage, and Susan Rushworth.

Mature student Mr Griffiths, of Thornton Road, Bradford, was remanded in custody by magistrates and later by a judge at the city's crown court.

Recent events have been described in some of the tabloid press as the "crossbow cannibal killings".

When asked to confirm his name by magistrates, Mr Griffiths told the court he was "the crossbow cannibal".
Relatives in court

Asked for his address, he replied: "Erm... here I guess."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/10179073.stm

This man clearly has some mental issues. However, his actions are just evil beyond belief.