Husband arrested for 'killing Princess Anne's dog trainer' dies in hospital

27 February 2020, 21:22

Zuricks
John Zurick and Jane Zurick have now died from gunshot wounds. Picture: Facebook

By Kate Buck

A man who is believed to have shot his wife dead has died in hospital from gunshot wonunds, police have said.

John Zurick, 67, was taken to hospital with severe shotgun injuries following the shooting on February 22 in Winsford, Somerset.

His wife, Deborah Zurick, 56, was pronounced dead at the scene having suffered shotgun injuries and her death is being treated as murder.

Ms Zurick was a dog breeder who supplied spaniels to Princess Anne.

The pair were also neighbours of Boris Johnson's family.

Avon and Somerset Police said Mr Zurick, who was taken into custody after the incident, died earlier today at a hospital in Devon.

Detectives described the incident as "self-contained" and said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting.

Zurick
Deborah Zurick, 56, was pronounced dead at the scene having suffered shotgun injuries and her death is being treated as murder. Picture: Facebook

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rice, of the major crime investigation team, said: "This is a tragic incident and detectives, investigators and crime scene specialists are working closely with local uniformed officers to examine the scene and reassure the local community.

"Dedicated liaison officers are also supporting family members and friends through this difficult time.

"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, and our focus is now on supporting those affected by it, and completing our inquiries so we can provide a file of evidence to the coroner's office for Somerset.

"My team and I will continue to co-operate with the Independent Office for Police Conduct on their investigation.

"There has been a large police presence in the small hamlet of Winsford and I would like to thank the local community for their patience, co-operation and support while we conducted our investigations.

They were neighbours of Boris Johnson's dad Stanley
They were neighbours of Boris Johnson's dad Stanley. Picture: PA

"I would like anyone with concerns, worries or any information to speak to their local neighbourhood officers either face-to-face, by calling 101, or contacting us through our website."

The Prime Minister's father, Stanley, described his shock at Mrs Zurick's death.

He told the Daily Mail: "Both I and my whole family are shocked, stunned and saddened by this tragic incident.

"We very much regret the passing of Mrs Zurick. She was a neighbour and she was much loved.

"She was honorary secretary of the Working Clumber Spaniel Society and was much loved for the work she did, in the society and in Exmoor and beyond."