Urgent Nationwide Hunt Underway for Stabbing Suspect After Woman Escapes Hospital and Kills Mother
Police are urgently searching for a woman who escaped from a hospital and viciously stabbed her own mother to death. Laura Van Marle, 43, managed to flee the hospital premises at approximately 5:10 pm yesterday, prompting a nationwide manhunt.
While on escorted leave, Van Marle brandished a weapon and threatened hospital staff before making her escape. In response, authorities have deployed helicopters and specialist units to comb the Wellington area of Somerset. However, members of the public are advised not to approach her but instead contact the police immediately if they spot her.
Described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and slim, with blonde hair, Laura Van Marle is known to walk long distances. There is a possibility she may have left the Wellington area and might be using public transport. It is also worth noting that she has links to Herefordshire.
The incident is particularly alarming as this is not the first time Van Marle has committed a violent act. In 2021, she was detained under the Mental Health Act and subsequently received an indefinite hospital order from the courts for the murder of her mother, Susanna Van Marle.
This tragic event unfolded during the late hours of the night when Laura fatally stabbed her mother seven times in the chest while she lay in bed. Prosecutors at Worcester Crown Court revealed that Susanna Van Marle’s final words to her daughter were a heart-wrenching plea, You’ve killed me.
Van Marle traveled over 150 miles from Dorset, where she had been living a nonconventional lifestyle, to Cradley—a peaceful village in Herefordshire where her parents resided. Driven by delusional voices urging her to kill, she entered her parents’ home during the night. Armed with a kitchen knife, she justified her actions by believing it was necessary to release her mother from her suffering, as she believed Satan was taking over the world.
According to the prosecutor, Richard Smith QC, Van Marle had been grappling with severe mental health issues since 2010, with her doctors diagnosing her with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Upon reaching her parents’ residence, Van Marle’s father managed to keep her out until the authorities arrived, at which point she was apprehended. Van Marle later expressed that her actions were motivated by an inner message.
During her trial, Van Marle pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. At the sentencing, Judge James Burbidge QC noted that the crime was committed under the cover of darkness, with Van Marle stealthily infiltrating her family home. He recognized the tragedy of the case, acknowledging that Van Marle’s parents had done all they could to support her.
Given Van Marle’s mental health crisis and the potential risk she poses to herself and others, authorities are actively seeking her apprehension. Currently, she was last seen wearing a white vest top, grey denim shorts, and black trainers.
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward immediately. The ongoing nationwide hunt for Laura Van Marle remains a top priority as efforts intensify to bring her to justice and prevent further harm.
Update: Woman Who Escaped Hospital and Fatally Stabbed Mother Found
In a recent development, Laura Van Marle, the woman who escaped from a hospital and tragically stabbed her mother to death, has been successfully located by Avon and Somerset Police officers this morning, Saturday, 12 August. Following a widespread public appeal for information, authorities confirmed that Laura Van Marle is now in custody.
The police extend their gratitude to all those who reached out with information or shared the appeal. The collaborative efforts of the community have played a pivotal role in ensuring the swift resolution of this urgent matter.
The details surrounding her apprehension and the subsequent legal proceedings are anticipated to unfold in the coming days. The authorities’ prompt response underscores their commitment to ensuring justice is served and the safety of the public is upheld.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
