Police find no evidence of criminality in deaths of three sisters off Brighton Beach

Sussex Police have concluded their investigation into the deaths of three sisters whose bodies were found off Brighton beach in May, saying there is no evidence of criminality or third-party involvement.

Emergency services were called to the beach near Black Rock car park at around 5.45am on Wednesday, 13 May, following reports of concern for a person in the water.

Three bodies were subsequently recovered from the sea nearby.

The women were formally identified as sisters Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, all from Uxbridge.

A post-mortem examination carried out in May confirmed that all three women died by drowning.

Sussex Police said specialist detectives have spent several months examining how the sisters came to be in the water and whether any criminal offence was connected to their deaths.

The force said its investigation has found no evidence that a crime was committed or that any other person was involved.

Officers, supported by other police forces, reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV, took statements from witnesses across the country and carried out a range of further enquiries.

Police established that the three women arrived by taxi at Madeira Drive at 10.20pm on Tuesday, 12 May.

Their bodies were found the following morning, and police said there was no evidence to suggest the sisters had visited any nightclubs or other local businesses in the area beforehand.

Investigators also found no evidence that the women had come to harm at the hands of another person.

Based on the evidence gathered, Sussex Police has concluded that all three women entered the water close to where their bodies were later found.

The investigation has now been passed to His Majesty’s Senior Coroner, who will conduct an inquest to establish where, when and how Jane, Christina and Rebecca died.

Police said further details about the sisters’ movements before their deaths and any potential reasons for entering the water will be considered as part of the coronial process.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “From the outset of this complex and challenging investigation, we have been acutely aware of the speculation surrounding this incident, the public’s unanswered questions and their desire for answers.

“Our priority throughout has been uncovering the truth for the loved ones of Jane, Rebecca and Christina, because at this incident’s core there has always been a grieving family coming to terms with an unthinkable tragedy and loss.

“Our investigation has been thorough. Our extensive enquiries intentionally considered concerns raised by black communities surrounding the deaths of black people in or near bodies of water, as we worked to understand who the three women were, and the factors that could have led to them being found on the beach that morning.

“However, our enquiries have now concluded, pending any new information coming to light.”

He thanked those who had provided information to the investigation and said Sussex Police would continue to support the coronial process.

The force has also asked for the family’s privacy to be respected as they continue to come to terms with their loss.

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