Man, 92, appears in court charged with murdering his wife in Exeter
Laurence Billiam, 92, is acccused of killing 87-year-old Shirley Billam
Last updated 28th Apr 2026
A 92-year-old man has appeared in court accused of killing his elderly wife in Exeter.
Laurence Billam, of Edwards Court in Millbrook Lane, Exeter, is charged with the murder of 87-year-old Shirley Billam.
During a brief hearing at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, Billam appeared via video link and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
The case was sent to Exeter Crown Court, where a further hearing is expected to be held on Wednesday.
Emergency services were called to an address on Millbrook Lane at about 12.40pm on April 19.
Shirley Billam, 87, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Earlier on Tuesday, a spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Officers were called to Millbrook Lane at around 12.40pm on Sunday April 19 following reports of a concern for welfare.
“Emergency services attended where a woman was discovered deceased at the property.
“The woman has since been named as Shirley Billam. Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“Laurence Billam, aged 92 and of Millbrook Lane, Exeter, has been charged with her murder.”