Susan Whiting
A man and woman have been charged with the murder of Susan Whiting after her body was found at a home in Bloxwich WMP

A man and a woman have been charged with the murder of Susan Whiting, police have confirmed. Steven Beard, 34 of Rowland Avenue, Bentley, and Julie Beard, 35, of Heather Close, Dudley Fields, were arrested after her body was discovered at a home in Bloxwich.

The 20-year-old college student was reported missing on Monday (17 August) when she failed to return from a friend's house in Heather Close, where she had stayed the night before. Her parents went to collect her, but raised the alarm later that afternoon.

Enquiries were conducted at the house in Walsall where she had stayed. During a full search a body was discovered 24 hours later.

Miss Whiting, 20, from Walsall in the West Midlands, who had learning difficulties was studying hospitality and catering at Walsall Adult and Community College. According to a post-mortem report she died from a head injury.

Steven and Julie Beard will appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Saturday (21 August).