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Birmingham double murder accused found dead in prison cell Birmingham double murder accused found dead in prison cell
(about 4 hours later)
A Lithuanian man accused of murdering a police officer's parents in Birmingham has been found dead in his prison cell. A man accused of murdering a police officer's parents in Birmingham has been found dead in his prison cell.
Rimvydas Liorancas, 37, was charged with the murders of Avtar and Carole Kolar at their home in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, this month. Rimvydas Liorancas, 37, a Lithuanian, was charged with the murders of 62-year-old Avtar Kolar and 58-year-old Carole Kolar at their home in Handsworth Wood last month, following an suspected burglary.
West Midlands police said he was found dead in his cell at Woodhill prison, in Milton Keynes, on Saturday. West Midlands police said the man was found dead in his cell at Woodhill prison, in Milton Keynes, on Saturday, but details of his death remained private until his family in Lithuania could be contacted.
A Prison Service spokesman said: "HMP Woodhill prisoner Rimvydas Liorancas was found hanging in his cell at 8.52am on Saturday. Staff attempted resuscitation and paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at 9.30am. The Prison Service indicated that Liorancas had not been considered at risk of self-harm or suicide. A spokesman said: "HMP Woodhill prisoner Rimvydas Liorancas was found hanging in his cell at 8.52am on Saturday. Staff attempted resuscitation and paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at 9.30am. As with all deaths in custody, the prisons and probation ombudsman will conduct an investigation."
"As with all deaths in custody, the prisons and probation ombudsman will conduct an investigation." The Kolars' bodies were found at their home on 11 January by their son, Jason, a serving officer with West Midlands police, who had become worried that his parents were not answering telephone calls. Married for 40 years, the couple had four children and were devoted to their family.
The Kolars' bodies were found at their home on 11 January by their son, an officer with West Midlands police. At a press conference, their daughter Michelle Kirwan, 39, wept as she described her parents as "the sweetest, kindest people." The family said the killer had not taken "just two lives, but 16," referring to the couple's extended family. Kirwan said the family were close, spent holidays together and a light had been "switched out" in their lives and their hearts were "broken forever" following the murders.
Liorancas entered no plea in his first appearance at Birmingham crown court eight days later. An interpreter translated proceedings for the defendant and a trial date was set for August. Liorancas, who was arrested by detectives at his home in Birmingham on 16 January, entered no plea in his first appearance at Birmingham crown court eight days later. An interpreter translated proceedings for the defendant and a trial date had been set for August.
Detectives do not believe the killings were linked to the son's occupation or to the theft of gold, as had been speculated. Two other people arrested in the case were released without charge. Detectives do not believe the killings were linked to the son's occupation or to the theft of gold, as had previously been speculated. A lump hammer recovered from the scene of the murders was believed to have been used to kill them. Two other people arrested in the case were released without charge.
Police said the investigation into the murders would continue. "The family of Carole and Avtar were informed at the earliest possible stage of the news [of Liorancas's death] and we are continuing to support them," the force said.Police said the investigation into the murders would continue. "The family of Carole and Avtar were informed at the earliest possible stage of the news [of Liorancas's death] and we are continuing to support them," the force said.
The ministry of justice and the Prison Service will open an investigation into what happened in the cell and whether Liorancas was properly supervised. The completed findings of their investigation into the deaths of the couple will now be presented to the coroner at the inquest.
A spokesperson for the couple's family said: "We were made aware of the death of Liorancas by police on Saturday. We understand the investigation into our parents' death will continue and the findings will be presented to the coroner. We ask that we be left alone as we continue to grieve over the deaths of our Mum and Dad."
The ministry of justice and the Prison Service will open an investigation into what happened in the cell and whether Liorancas was properly supervised during his time on remand.
Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Jupp, of West Midlands police, speaking after Liorancas had been charged with the double murders, said that postmortem examinations had revealed the couple died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.
He said: "The devastating impact of such tragic and senseless death has been far-reaching. The family have been overwhelmed by messages of support from friends, from the local community and much further afield. The investigation into Carole and Avtar's death has been complex and very fast-moving.
A number of items stolen from the property had been recovered, he added.