Epsom College deaths: Family share tribute to headmistress & daughter, 7, ‘shot dead by husband in murder-suicide’
THE family of a mum and daughter believed to have been shot dead in a murder-suicide have paid tribute.
Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison, 45, and seven-year-old Lettie were found dead on the school grounds on February 5.
It is believed husband George allegedly shot them before he turned the gun on himself.
Emma and Lettie's family have now paid tribute to the mum and daughter.
They also thanked those who have shown their support for the tragic pair.
The family said: "To see the esteem in which Emma is held by all who knew her is an enormous comfort.
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"She was everything one could hope for in a daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, teacher and so much more.
"We are an extremely close family and family was at the centre of Emma and Lettie’s universe. The Epsom College Community had become part of that universe for them both.
"Seven year old Lettie was Emma’s pride and joy: an adorable, vibrant little girl with a compelling curiosity, a heart-melting smile and an intellect beyond her years. The two of them were inseparable and we take comfort in that they will remain so.
"Emma had a warm, welcoming smile and sparkling, blue eyes, full of optimism. Over the last eleven days we’ve noticed the sky has been bright blue, with at times a warm glow of pink."
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Surrey Police believe George, 39, who held a shotgun licence, killed his wife and daughter before taking his own life in a double murder-suicide.
A firearm registered to the chartered accountant was found at the scene but officers have not yet disclosed the cause of the deaths.
The force confirmed that George was in contact with them just days before the killings to update the address on his gun licence, which is "routine".
Police had separately investigated an allegation that Emma had hit her husband during a domestic incident in 2016.
He later withdrew the claim, saying it was trivial, reports.
Emma became the elite school's first female head in September 2022 after six years at the helm of Croydon High School in south London.
Boarding students at the college pay more than £42,000 a year and its alumni include Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and comedian Tim Vine.
Her husband George was a chartered accountant who was director of a management consultancy called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.
Late last year she said the transition from her old job had been full of "really big changes" for her family but she was "absolutely loving" her time at Epsom College so far.
Emma told a student-run podcast: "It has been very, very busy, but absolutely wonderful."
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