Police & Health Failures Led to Triple Elder Deaths

A jury has determined that a series of police and healthcare failings led to the deaths of three elderly men. Alexander Lewis-Ranwell, who was experiencing a psychotic episode, killed Anthony Payne, 80, and twins Roger and Dick Carter, 84, in Exeter on February 10, 2019. Lewis-Ranwell had been arrested and released twice in the days prior.

Concerns about his mental health were raised, but he was released without an assessment that could have led to him being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. The jury found "broad shortcomings" by Devon and Cornwall Police in information gathering and sharing, citing the failure to record a call from Lewis-Ranwell's mother as a "serious failing."

"Systemic failures" were also identified with Devon County Council and Devon Partnership Trust regarding mental health assessments. A forensic medical examiner employed by G4S was found to have a "fundamental misunderstanding" of mental state examinations and dismissed signs of delusion. Lewis-Ranwell was eventually assessed as acutely psychotic after a later arrest.

The families of the victims have expressed hope that these findings will lead to meaningful, lasting changes across all involved organizations, including a national review of guidance and training on mental health issues in police custody. They also called for greater scrutiny of private companies contracted for public services.