John
12-19-2009, 05:22 PM
Nora Baldwin was found dead at Longbridge Deverill House, in the village of Longbridge Deverill, Wiltshire, on Thursday.
Police were called to the home at about 7.30am, and arrested an 84-year-old woman shortly after.
After doctors examined the woman's mental health, it was decided that she was unfit for interview by detectives.
She has been released on bail to a date in January.
Wiltshire Police are still awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination, but it is believed Mrs Baldwin had been strangled.
The nursing home is run by Equality Care Ltd and accommodates 27 residents in single rooms.
The company said it was a "distressing incident" for residents, staff and families.
The arrested woman, who had lived at the care home for six years, is now staying at another residential home in the area.
Mrs Baldwin had been a resident at the home for three years.
The women did not share a room, and both were known to mental health services in Wiltshire.
Detective Inspector Nicki Davey, who is leading the investigation, said: "It is a tragic incident and while we are keeping an open mind, there are no lines of inquiry linked to euthanasia.
"Staff and residents at the home are really shocked and they have been quite profoundly affected by the circumstances.
"Officers have been in contact with both families, and we are dealing with this case very sensitively due to the age and vulnerability of both women.
"After the post-mortem, we will gather the evidence and ascertain whether the case passes the threshold for possible charges, which is down to the Crown Prosecution Service."
Police were called to the home at about 7.30am, and arrested an 84-year-old woman shortly after.
After doctors examined the woman's mental health, it was decided that she was unfit for interview by detectives.
She has been released on bail to a date in January.
Wiltshire Police are still awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination, but it is believed Mrs Baldwin had been strangled.
The nursing home is run by Equality Care Ltd and accommodates 27 residents in single rooms.
The company said it was a "distressing incident" for residents, staff and families.
The arrested woman, who had lived at the care home for six years, is now staying at another residential home in the area.
Mrs Baldwin had been a resident at the home for three years.
The women did not share a room, and both were known to mental health services in Wiltshire.
Detective Inspector Nicki Davey, who is leading the investigation, said: "It is a tragic incident and while we are keeping an open mind, there are no lines of inquiry linked to euthanasia.
"Staff and residents at the home are really shocked and they have been quite profoundly affected by the circumstances.
"Officers have been in contact with both families, and we are dealing with this case very sensitively due to the age and vulnerability of both women.
"After the post-mortem, we will gather the evidence and ascertain whether the case passes the threshold for possible charges, which is down to the Crown Prosecution Service."