July 05, (THEWILL) – In a public declaration about the circumstances surrounding the shooting to death of Nigerian-born footballer, Odichukumma Kelvin Igweani, the police in the United Kingdom have broken down the details of what led to the killing.
As THEWILL reported on Tuesday, June 29, the death of the footballer was confirmed by the Police after their officers tased and shot him while responding to a domestic issue. The details have now revealed that Igweani was gunned down after killing a neighbour in the flat and holding a toddler captive inside.
According to the police capturing of events, it was an unfortunate day for Richard Woodcock, a 38-year-old council highways officer, who was said to have raced into the flat with the intention of helping after hearing screams during a domestic dispute at the first-floor property when he was killed by Igweani.
They had found Woodcock’s lifeless body on the floor of Igweani’s flat in Milton Keynes. The investigation into how Woodcock met his end confirmed that death came as a result of traumatic head injuries he suffered in the cause of his intended intervention in what was happening within the flat when he arrived.
According to the hearing on the death of Igweani, which followed the arrival of the police, David Bannister from The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) told Milton Keynes Coroner’s Court that the young footballer was shot four times and a taser was discharged. When the ambulance called in to attend to him came, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, apart from the two dead men at the scene, the police had to immediately attend to the toddler, who needed swift medical intervention as THEWILL reported. The IOPC added that “The toddler remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital.”
It all began with an “ongoing disturbance” at about 9.40 am on Saturday, June 26, according to Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik at the brief hearing, attended by Woodcock’s widow and family members. It led to the neighbours putting a call through for police intervention.
Blaik said, “Neighbours reported hearing a female screaming and shouting for help. A female and young child managed to flee the address prior to police arrival.
“Richard Woodcock from the neighbouring property had gone to the address to help save a young boy as it was believed he was still in the property and at risk of significant harm.”
The Detective Chief Inspector added: “Having had to force entry, the officers immediately saw a deceased male, who has now been identified as Richard Woodcock, on the floor and were also aware of a distressed young child within the address.
“As entry was gained another male, now known to be Kelvin Igweani, immediately became aggressive towards the officers. A Taser was discharged but this was ineffective, and Igweani barricaded himself within the main bedroom.
“A child could be heard crying along with sounds of an ongoing assault. Entry was gained to the bedroom at which point a police firearm was discharged. Police officers and ambulance staff gave immediate first aid but Kelvin Igweani was declared deceased at 10.33hrs.”
Blaik noted that Igweani is suspected of Woodcock’s murder and the serious assault of the young male child within the address. He addressed the mental health situation of the deceased saying: “It is understood that Kelvin’s mental health had been deteriorating in the weeks preceding this incident.”
Igweani’s devastated parents were also in court, accompanied by a lawyer, to hear how their son was slain by officers in his home in Milton Keynes, Bucks, last month.
On his part, Bannister detailed how Thames Valley Police had been called to a “domestic incident” at about 9.40am on June 26 at a block of flats in Denmead, Two Mile Ash, on the outskirts of the town leading to the events under investigation:
“Thames valley Police received a 999 call after reports of a domestic incident. A double armed auto response was deployed to the scene. On their way they were informed that another male was injured and a child was at risk.
“Officers forced entry and they immediately came across a deceased male. They were confronted by Mr Igweani. A taser was deployed but it was ineffective. Mr Igweani moved into another room and closed the door. He was in the room with a young child. Officers believed Mr igweani was harming the child and forced entry.
“One officer fired four shots at him and a taser was also discharged. He was pronounced dead at 10.39.”
The coroner’s report concluded that Igweani died from gunshot wounds to the chest. His body was formally identified by his family.
The visibly devastated Woodcock family issued a public statement of their own that read: “We have always been so proud of Richard and everything that he has achieved in life.
“We are devastated that Richard has been taken from us in such circumstances but we are also so immensely proud of the sacrifice that he has made to try and save a little boy’s life. His actions on Saturday morning were the type of man he was and that is how we would like him remembered.
“A lot of people loved Richard, probably more than he ever realised, and he will be a huge loss to all of his friends, family and work colleagues.”
Apart from the general Woodcock family statement, Richard’s wife, who has not been named, issued a brief message of her own. It said: “Richard, it has been a blessing to share my life with you, my dearest friend, my biggest love, my soul mate. My kind, generous, funny, clever, cheeky husband.
“Thank you for loving me and being the best father to our children. I’ll love you and cherish our time together forever.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
