The PSNI is investigating a possible connection between a death in Co Derry last November and dentist Colin Howell, who is charged with two murders dating back to 1991.
Alexandra Hickman-Smith (27) was found dead in a caravan in Castlerock in November 2008. At the time, the death was deemed to have been the result of complications linked to Ms Hickman-Smith’s diabetes.
A police spokesman said the death was not presently being treated as suspicious, but added: “Police have a duty to ensure that, in the interests of justice and completeness, every potential line of enquiry is examined.”
Mr Howell (50) of Sea Road, Castlerock, is currently in custody awaiting trial for the murder of his wife Lesley and Royal Ulster Constabulary officer Trevor Buchanan in May 1991.
He and his former partner Hazel Stewart, Mr Buchanan’s ex-wife, were charged with the double murder in January after police re-opened the investigation into the deaths. An inquest had initially found Mr Buchanan and Mrs Howell had died of carbon monoxide poisoning in an apparent suicide pact.
Mr Howell has also been charged with allegedly indecently assaulting women and allegedly administering overpowering drugs with intent to commit indecent assault over a 10-year period between March 1998 and December 2008.
PSNI detectives are also investigating the death of Leslie Howell’s father, Henry Clarke, who died just five days prior to the death of his daughter. Mr Clarke’s death had initially been attributed to a heart attack or some form of seizure.