Daughter’s “Heartache” Continues as Search for Mother’s Remains Persists

The daughter of a woman who was murdered has expressed her “heartache” as her family faces a second Christmas without the discovery of her mother’s remains. Fiona Holm, aged 48, was murdered by her abusive boyfriend, Carl Cooper, 66, at his residence in Catford, south-east London, on June 20, 2023. Cooper received a life sentence in July for the murders of Ms. Holm and a former girlfriend, Naomi Hunte; however, he has not disclosed the whereabouts of Ms. Holm’s body. The Metropolitan Police have issued a renewed appeal for information, while Ms. Holm’s daughter, Savannah Holm-Aderemi, finds it “disturbing” that no individuals have offered assistance in locating her mother’s remains. Ms. Holm-Aderemi stated: “As the heartache still continues, the restless nights go on knowing that she has been out there this long, and no-one has come forward with any information.” She continued: “The thought of us finding her remains is sickening to think about, but this would also bring my whole family peace.” She further mentioned that Ms. Holm’s mother has “not been the same” since her daughter’s passing and that she yearned for her “big heart and kind ways.” The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a previously announced reward of £20,000 remains available for information that leads to the recovery of Ms. Holm’s remains, and they have issued another appeal for details. Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn stated that her team has conducted extensive efforts to locate Ms. Holm’s body, encompassing searches of locations she had visited, along with open areas, waterways, residences, vehicles, and storage units. Det Ch Ins Blackburn added: “Thousands of hours of CCTV has been seized and viewed, substantial mobile phone inquiries have been reviewed and hundreds of witness statements have been taken, including interviews with Fiona’s family and friends.” She expressed hope that anyone possessing information would now feel comfortable coming forward, given Cooper’s conviction. During the trial, the jury was informed that Cooper posed a “great danger” to women and had exhibited controlling and coercive behavior towards both Ms. Hunte and Ms. Holm during their respective relationships with him. Both women had previously lodged complaints with the Metropolitan Police regarding his abusive conduct. The Independent Office for Police Conduct, the police watchdog, is presently investigating the management of these allegations.