Murder rocks quiet Kent village

by James Crouch

A local Chartham resident has been found stabbed to death in a field behind her house.

Karen Barton, 51, was found in Pickett’s Field, off Rentain Road, Chartham, at 12.40am on Sunday, discovered by a couple walking their dog.

Phoebe Barton and Karen Barton

Her sister, Phoebe Barton, 49, is the chief suspect, and was found just last night – Thursday 13th May 2010 – ending a four day manhunt involving police helicopters, thermal imaging cameras, 20 police officers and a marine search team on the river Stour.

The police report Phoebe Barton as having mental health problems. This is said to have been something she has been suffering throughout the year. Barton’s only daughter, Rachel, was killed in a road accident on May 27th last year, and the anniversary of her death is believed to have contributed to her ill health.
The last time either Phoebe or Karen Barton had been seen was as they were setting off for their regular Saturday evening walk at around 7pm. However, since that moment, and the time the body was discovered, nobody had seen or heard from Phoebe Barton, and she had not been answering her mobile phone.

Karen Barton is believed to have been stabbed a number of times, though the police are refusing to state how many times exactly.

Police had earlier issued a plea to homeowners around the area, asking them to remain vigilant and check outbuildings for the missing woman.

Phoebe Barton was eventually found in the neighbouring village of Chilham.

To have a look at the story on Kent News Online, click here.