The mother of Alexander Lewis-Ranwell repeatedly warned police about her son’s mental health and potential for violence, an inquest has heard. Less than two days after his release from custody, Lewis-Ranwell killed three elderly men in Exeter in February 2019.

Jill Lewis-Ranwell told officers at Barnstaple police station that her son had a history of violent behaviour when unwell and that she was deeply concerned about his release. She said she believed he was experiencing a psychotic episode and urged police to take his condition seriously.

Concerns Raised Before the Killings

Lewis-Ranwell had been arrested on February 8, 2019, following incidents in North Devon. His mother later received calls informing her that he would be released and taken to a safe sleep centre.

She described the decision as alarming, particularly because she believed he was not well enough to be released and would be left outside in the cold during the night.

Two days later, Lewis-Ranwell killed Anthony Payne, 80, and twin brothers Roger and Dick Carter, both 84, in Exeter.

Inquest Examines Police Decisions

The inquest has heard evidence about Lewis-Ranwell’s previous mental health episodes, his custody assessment and the decisions made by police and healthcare professionals.

He was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity at trial in 2019 and received a hospital order.

The ongoing inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including whether opportunities to identify and respond to the risks were missed before the killings.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9e8eje1jr3vo