A 56-year-old man has now been charged with murder following the discovery of 51-year-old Mackala Higgins’ body at a residential property in Bournemouth.
Richard Sean Ball, of Bournemouth, was initially arrested after Ms Higgins was found dead at an address on Paddington Grove on July 1, 2026. He was first charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body. Police have now brought an additional murder charge following further enquiries and consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Ms Higgins was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by emergency services.
Murder charge follows months of investigation
Dorset Police confirmed that Ball is now facing the more serious charge after detectives carried out what officers described as extensive further enquiries.
He remains in custody and is due to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.
A woman in her 30s was also arrested in connection with the investigation on suspicion of assisting an offender. She has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
The circumstances surrounding Ms Higgins’ death remain under investigation.
When Ball was previously brought before magistrates, prosecutors said her body had been moved from a nearby property and placed in a bike shed at Paddington Grove. The earlier hearing was told that her body had been hidden behind a sofa at an address for a period of time before it was moved.
At that stage, the cause of Ms Higgins’ death had not been determined.
Body discovered in Paddington Grove
Police and ambulance crews were called to Paddington Grove shortly after 2am on July 1 after receiving a report that a woman’s body had been found.
Officers attended the residential address and Ms Higgins, 51, was confirmed dead at the scene.
Dorset Police subsequently launched a major crime investigation into the circumstances of her death, with a cordon put in place as detectives examined the area.
The force later confirmed that Ball, a British national from Bournemouth, had been charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body. He had also been arrested on suspicion of murder at the time, although the murder investigation initially remained under review.
Police urge public not to speculate
Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Jenkins said investigators had continued to keep Ms Higgins’ family informed as the case developed.
She said the Crown Prosecution Service had authorised the additional murder charge following further enquiries.
“Our thoughts remain very much with the family and loved ones of Mackala Higgins,” Jenkins said.
She also stressed that the case remains subject to active court proceedings and urged members of the public not to make comments that could potentially prejudice the judicial process.
The warning was particularly directed at commentary posted online and across social media.
Investigation continues
Detectives are continuing to appeal for information that could help establish the full circumstances surrounding Ms Higgins’ death.
Anyone who may have information is being asked to contact Dorset Police online or call 101, quoting occurrence number 55260097894.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers through its website or by calling 0800 555 111.
Ball remains in custody as the legal proceedings continue. The murder allegation is a charge, not a conviction, and the circumstances of Ms Higgins’ death remain the subject of the ongoing investigation and court process.