A 20-YEAR-OLD man and his parents have appeared in court in connection with the alleged murder of teenage student and aspiring model Emily Longley.

Elliot Vincent Turner from Queenswood Avenue, Queens Park, Bournemouth is alleged to have murdered the 17-year-old on May 7 this year and is also charged with intent to pervert the course of justice.

His parents, Leigh and Anita Turner, of the same address, have been charged with intent to pervert the course of justice and have also appeared at Bournemouth magistrates’ court.

Elliot Turner, dressed in a smart shirt and tie, spoke only to confirm his personal details during the hearing.

The charges were read to District Judge Roger House, one of murder on May 7, and one of intent to pervert the course of justice between May 6 and July 21, namely that he failed to telephone emergency services and that he attempted to persuade Anita Turner to change her account to the police.

Leigh Turner, 53, and his 50-year-old wife Anita are charged with together, between May 6 and July 21, intent to pervert the course of justice, namely that they failed to telephone the emergency services, removed evidence and destroyed vital evidence in the case of Elliot Turner, accused of murdering Emily Longley.

Elliot Turner was remanded in custody and will appear at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday July 28. Leigh and Anita Turner were released on bail to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on October 3.

Miss Longley was found dead in the Turner family’s bungalow on May 7. The cause of her death has not yet been revealed.

The Brockenhurst College student, who worked part-time at Top Shop in Bournemouth, had been staying with her grandparents in Dingle Road, Southbourne, since last year after returning to Britain from her parents’ home in New Zealand.

Her parents, Caroline and Mark, flew back to England after receiving the news but are now understood to be back in New Zealand.

Thousands of people joined a tribute page in Emily’s memory on Facebook following news of her death.

Detective Inspector Neil Devoto said: “Following extensive enquiries Elliott Turner has now been charged with the murder of Emily Longley.

“I have updated Emily’s relatives with these developments – clearly, this is a very difficult time for all of her family and friends as they try to come to terms with the loss of Emily.”

Statement from Emily's parents

A statement from Emily’s family said: “We are confident that the police are doing all that they can to establish exactly what happened to Emily and we are grateful for their support.

“We would like to once again thank everyone for their messages of sympathy and the many tributes that have been made to Emily.

“Of course, we now await the outcome of upcoming court cases and ask that we are given space to come to terms with our tragic loss.”

An inquest into Emily’s death was opened and adjourned on 9 May.