Police probing the murder of a young mother say her phone was switched on two months after her body was found in a country park.
Officers looking into the death of Madison Wright, from Basildon in Essex, say her mobile could have been picked up by a member of the public after it was reactivated earlier this year.
The 30-year-old’s body was found in Wat Tyler Country Park in Basildon on July 30, two months before the device was briefly switched back on in September.
Essex Police says it is looking for the phone as it is of ‘evidential value’ ahead of the trial of the man accused of murdering her.
Police say a mobile phone belonging to Madison Wright, pictured here in a family handout photo, was briefly switched on months after her death
The 30-year-old’s body was found in Wat Tyler Country Park, pictured here from above, on July 30 this year
Gary Bennett, 37, of Caister Drive, Pitsea, has denied killing Ms Wright and faces a trial at Basildon Crown Court from March 13, next year.
The force said specially trained officers carried out searches yesterday for her mobile phone, adding that it could also contain ‘sentimental photos and videos’.
Ms Wright was last seen alive at 8.30am on Friday, July 22, with her body being found eight days later in the local beauty spot.
The force said that hopes of finding the device had faded until information emerged which suggested that it was briefly switched on in September.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes said: ‘Our investigation does not stop at the point of charge and we have continued to complete lines of inquiry to help us understand what happened to Madison and when she died.
‘The team and I remain steadfast in our pursuit for justice, and at this time of year especially, our thoughts and prayers are with Madison’s family, who this year, will be spending their first Christmas without her.
Essex Police says Ms Wright’s phone was briefly switched back on in September. Pictured: A photo of her Vauxhall Astra released by police after she went missing in July
‘A key and ongoing line of inquiry, is our efforts to find and recover Madison’s phone.
‘Up until a recent development this was looking doubtful, but we now have information that suggests Madison’s phone was briefly switched on in September and one scenario we are looking to explore, is the potential that a member of the public has found the phone.
‘This phone still has evidential value to our investigation, but as equally important, are the sentimental photos and videos which may still be recoverable from the device.
‘Given the emotional implications, we would really like to be able to reunite these significant mementos with Madison’s family and if someone has found the phone we need to speak with that person as part of our inquiries.
‘The phone in question was a Google Pixel 4a… and may have been in a black case.
‘Any information about this mobile phone or further information about Madison’s death, may help us get the answers that Madison’s family deserves.’
A man has since been charged with murder after the discovery of Ms Wright’s body. Pictured: Madison Wright in a family photo
After her death Ms Wright’s family paid tribute to her, saying her memory would ‘live on’ through her son.
In a statement released through police they said: ‘Madison was the most loving mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend and soon to be aunt.
‘Throughout her life Madison was a happy, gentle, thoughtful and kind person. She was never a fan of being the center of attention and definitely would not have liked this.
‘Our family has suffered a loss that is unimaginable and irreparable, and the void Madison leaves will never be filled. Her life has been stolen from not just her but from all of us. Her memory however will live on through her son whom we cherish dearly.
Gary Bennett (left) has since been charged with the murder of Madison Wright (right). Pictured: the couple smiling together
‘We will remember every smile, laugh and every moment we had the honor to share.
‘We will miss you for the rest of our lives Mad. The love we have for you is beyond words and you will forever be in our hearts.
‘Rest in peace Mad, until we meet again.’
Following the discovery of her body the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate made five arrests.
Gary Bennett, 37, of Caister Drive, Pitsea, was later charged with her murder, an offense he denies. His trial will be held in March next year.
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