Man charged with murder after woman's body found in Bournemouth
The initial report was received by Dorset Police at 2.25am on Wednesday 1st July
A 56-year-old man from Bournemouth has been charged with murder following the discovery of Mackala Higgins' body at an address on Paddington Grove.
The initial report was received by Dorset Police at 2.25am on Wednesday 1st July 2026, when emergency services attended and confirmed the 51-year-old's death at the scene.
Detectives from Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team have been leading the investigation, which resulted in Richard Sean Ball being charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body.
Ball has since been charged with murder and is remanded in custody, awaiting his appearance at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Friday 2nd October 2026.
Additionally, a woman in her 30s from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. She has been released under investigation as enquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Jenkins, of MCIT, said: “Our thoughts remain very much with the family and loved ones of Mackala Higgins and we have continued to keep the family updated with developments in the investigation.
“Following further and extensive enquiries, we have liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service and it has authorised an additional charge of murder.
“I would like to issue a reminder that this matter remains the subject of active court proceedings and it is vital that the judicial process is allowed to follow its course. We would urge members of the public to refrain from any commentary, particularly online and on social media, that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.”
Detectives urge anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260097894.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.