In the closing days of 2025, two tragic incidents involving the deaths of women in different parts of England have captured the attention of communities and law enforcement alike. While one case in Skegness is not being treated as suspicious, the other in Devizes has led to a murder charge and a forthcoming trial, underscoring the varied and complex nature of such investigations.
On December 30, 2025, the quiet coastal area of Gibraltar Point in Skegness was the site of a grim discovery. According to Lincolnshire police, officers were called to the scene after a woman's body was found in water. As reported by local authorities, formal identification had not yet been completed as of December 31, but officers believe the woman to be 40-year-old Candice Watts. In a statement, police emphasized, "Her death is not being treated as suspicious." This detail, while offering some measure of reassurance to the public, leaves the community with unanswered questions about the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
In the aftermath, Candice Watts's family has been informed of the devastating news. Lincolnshire police have requested that the family's privacy be respected during this difficult time. The call for privacy highlights the deeply personal impact of such events, reminding the public that behind every headline, there are loved ones grappling with loss. As of the last official update, the process of formal identification was still underway, a standard procedure in cases of unexplained deaths to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.
Gibraltar Point, known for its natural beauty and wildlife reserves, is not typically associated with crime or tragedy. The discovery of a body in such a serene setting has left many locals unsettled. However, the police's swift clarification that the death is not being treated as suspicious seems to have alleviated concerns of foul play. For now, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved family and completing the necessary administrative steps.
Meanwhile, in Devizes, Wiltshire, a very different scenario has been unfolding. On Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, a woman died on Keepers Road, prompting a major police response. The following days saw rapid developments as Stefania Glowka, a 63-year-old resident of Keepers Road, was charged with murder in connection with the death. As reported by regional outlets and confirmed by law enforcement, Glowka was remanded in custody on December 31, 2025, after her case was brought before Bristol Crown Court.
Interestingly, though Glowka was scheduled to appear at the court hearing, she did not attend in person. She remains in custody as the legal process advances. The court has already set key dates for the next stages of the case: a pre-trial preparation hearing is scheduled for March 20, 2026, followed by a provisional trial date on June 1, 2026. These proceedings are expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the death and the evidence that led to the murder charge.
At this stage, formal identification of the victim in the Devizes case has not yet taken place. Similarly, a definitive cause of death has not been established, although a preliminary postmortem examination has been completed. Authorities have stated that further information is required before they can draw any firm conclusions. This careful, methodical approach is typical in cases involving potential criminal charges, where every detail must be verified to ensure a fair and accurate legal process.
The contrast between the two cases is striking. In Skegness, the police have moved quickly to rule out suspicious circumstances, shifting the focus to family support and administrative closure. In Devizes, however, the investigation remains active and open, with significant legal proceedings on the horizon. The difference underscores the varied nature of deaths reported to law enforcement—some resolved with relative speed, others demanding months of forensic work and courtroom scrutiny.
For the communities involved, these incidents have prompted reflection and, in some quarters, anxiety. In Skegness, Gibraltar Point is a beloved local landmark, and the discovery of a body there has inevitably left residents shaken. Yet the police's clear communication and the absence of suspicion have helped prevent undue alarm. In Devizes, the news of a murder charge—especially one arising from an event on Christmas Day—has cast a longer shadow. The fact that the accused, Stefania Glowka, is a local resident has added to the shock, with neighbors and acquaintances struggling to reconcile the allegations with their own experiences.
As is often the case in such matters, the legal process in Devizes will be lengthy and complex. The pre-trial preparation hearing in March 2026 will likely address procedural issues, evidence disclosure, and the setting of a detailed timetable for the trial. The provisional trial date in June 2026 gives all parties time to prepare, but also means that the community—and the families involved—face months of uncertainty and speculation. Until formal identification of the victim is completed and the cause of death is definitively established, many key questions will remain unanswered.
Both cases highlight the importance of clear, compassionate communication from authorities. Lincolnshire police have been careful to keep the public informed while prioritizing the privacy of Candice Watts's family. Wiltshire police and the Crown Prosecution Service have moved swiftly to bring charges in the Devizes case, but have also emphasized the need for further investigation and due process. For journalists and the public alike, these events are a reminder of the care required in reporting and discussing such sensitive matters.
In the coming months, attention will remain focused on the courts in Bristol, where the Devizes case will unfold. The legal system is designed to ensure that justice is done, but also that it is seen to be done—a principle that matters deeply in cases that touch on the most fundamental aspects of life and death. Meanwhile, in Skegness, the community will continue to mourn the loss of Candice Watts, even as the formalities of identification and closure proceed.
As the year draws to a close, these two stories—one resolved, one just beginning—offer a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring importance of justice and compassion in the face of tragedy.
