The Police and Crime Commissioner wrote a public letter claiming to be humbled by the bravery and determination of triple murder victims’ families.
Nottinghamshire PCC Caroline Henry met with the families of Grace O'Malley-Kumar, Barnaby Webber and Ian Coate to hear of their campaign to understand the circumstances surrounding the killings.
She has also spent time talking with Wayne Birkett, of Newark, who was lucky to survive after being run over by Valdo Calocane but left physically and mentally scarred.
“I have been humbled by the bravery and determination they have shown, in the face of such devastating personal tragedy, to ensure that positive change comes from the terrible events that unfolded in the early hours of 13 June 2023,” said PCC Henry.
She added: “It is almost impossible to process the horror they experienced. For them to cope with the devastation whilst showing such commitment and determination to the cause of change is truly remarkable.
“In that desire for change they have my full support. We must all stand together in our determination and commitment to ensure everything is done to prevent a similar tragedy.
“Our focus should be, and is, on ensuring the legacy of the victims is lasting and positive change.”
She said to be supporting calls for a public inquiry into the events leading up to and the aftermath of the crime, where mental health was established as a critical factor.
Also welcomed the ongoing enquiries and investigation being launched by the agencies involved in the case but that they would likely focus on how the agencies acted rather than how they interacted.
Caroline Henry added: “I have already commissioned a wide-ranging review of Nottinghamshire Police by the College of Policing and have asked the bereaved families and surviving victims to play a key role in setting the parameters of that process.
“This review, in conjunction with IOPC investigations, will constitute an exhaustive examination of police process, actions and policy.
“It would be wrong to pre-judge the findings of that review, or any other of the many enquiries and investigations going on into this case.
“Whatever happens I have given the family my absolute unwavering commitment to ensuring that any and all recommendations emerging from these processes are actioned quickly and effectively.”
The UK charity Hundred Families reports that on average 120 families a year are bereaved as a result of mental health homicides in the UK.
That number contributes around 20% of the total number of unlawful killings in the country each year.
