A 53-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Claire Chick, 48, following tragic events in Plymouth. Chick was discovered severely injured on West Hoe Road on the evening of Wednesday, January 22, 2025, and sadly passed away just hours later.
The suspect, Paul Butler, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, was arrested the following day, January 23, 2025, in the Liskeard area of Cornwall, roughly 20 miles from the crime scene. He is set to appear at Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Monday, January 27, 2025.
According to Devon and Cornwall Police, their investigation remains active, and they continue to provide support to Chick’s family during this difficult time. During the inquiry, Detective Inspector Rob Smith expressed appreciation for the local community’s cooperation and support, stating, “We have specialist officers in place to continue to provide support to Claire’s family. Our investigation isongoing, and I would like to thank the local community for their support whilst we have carried out our enquiries over the past few days.”
Claire Chick, who was previously known as Claire Butler, worked as a lecturer at the University of Plymouth. Her family, devastated by her loss, released a heartfelt statement describing her as “the most beautiful lively soul and was there for everyone.” They urged anyone who knew her to share their memories, reflecting her caring nature and deep impact on those around her.
Chick’s family shared, “She loved to dance and sing, even though she was pretty bad at it; she had no shame in doing it in front of any audience.” The statement conveyed the family's immense grief, stating, “We will never get over this as a family, she was our glue and our go-to. We won’t ever get the justice our mum deserves for this, because no amount of justice will bring her back.”
The family also took the opportunity to remind the public of the five children she leaves behind, who lovingly referred to her as “a favourite grandma,” asking for privacy as they grieve. “She may be gone but her spirit will always remain alive. We love you mum, and we promise to make you proud,” they expressed poignantly.
The police are continuing their investigation, and the community has come together to support the Chick family, providing them comfort during this harrowing time. Residents have expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, reflecting the close-knit nature of the Plymouth community.
The case has garnered attention as local authorities seek to bring justice not only for Chick and her family but also to address the broader issues of violence affecting communities. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement during such investigations.
Claire Chick’s tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the impact of violence and the collective grief felt by the community. Her family’s tribute highlights the memories and love she leaves behind, illustrating how deeply she will be missed by those who knew her.
With Butler now facing serious charges, the community watches closely, hoping for justice to prevail for Claire. Detectives continue to pursue all leads related to the case as they strive to provide answers to the family and restore peace to the community.