First picture of couple found murdered in their home days before Christmas

Ellen Manning
John and Beverley Taylor. See SWNS story SWLEmurder. Detectives probing the deaths of an elderly couple at a house have charged a man with murder. Police said the bodies of a man in his 60s and a woman in her 70s were found in house in Regent Crescent in Skipton, North Yorks., yesterday morning (Tues). Officers held a man who they said was 'known to the victims' at the scene on suspicion of their murder. David Michael Taylor, 35, appeared before York Magistrates today (Weds) charged with murder.
Beverley and John Taylor, both 66, were found dead in their home in Regent Crescent, Skipton, North Yorkshire on 21 December. (SWNS) (North Yorkshire Police / SWNS.CO)

The first picture of an elderly couple murdered in their home just before Christmas has been released by their devastated family.

John and Beverley Taylor (née Bernard), both 66, were found dead in their home in Skipton, North Yorkshire, on 21 December, leaving relatives devastated.

Police arrested David Michael Taylor, 35, at the scene in Regent Crescent.

He appeared before magistrates in York on 22 December charged with murder.

Regent Crescent, where John and Beverly taylor wer found dead
Regent Crescent in Skipton, where John and Beverley Taylor were found dead on 21 December. (Google Maps)

A picture of the couple has now been released by their grieving family, through police.

Speaking on behalf of the family, police said they wanted to thank friends and the local community for their support.

They said: "The family of John and Beverley Taylor (née Bernard), both aged 66, would ask through this devastating time they be allowed their privacy.

"They would like to thank all the friends and the community of Skipton for all their support and messages of comfort. Thank you."

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Neighbours paid tribute to the couple following the discovery of the bodies.

One, who said they had lived nearby for many years, said: "We weren't in one another's homes, but we were on friendly terms and the news has left me very shaken.

"I was unable to sleep last night thinking of them. I honestly can't believe what has happened."

Another said: "It is so very sad and so very shocking... they were always pleasant and it has left everyone in deep shock to think something so tragic could have happened within a family in Skipton."

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