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A 16-year-old man and a 28-year-old man were charged with the murder of a strangled pensioner at his home.

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, and the man, Leighton Snook, are expected to appear at Colchester District Court Monday for killing 83-year-old Donald Ralph.

We have charged two people in connection with the murder of Donald Ralph in #Aldham. A man, aged 28 and boy, aged 16, will appear in court on Monday. pic.twitter.com/KPL5QxITZT

— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) January 3, 2021

The victim’s body was found at his home in the town of Aldham near Colchester, Essex on Tuesday.

Essex police said an autopsy revealed he died of strangulation.

Suspects Charged

Snook, a homeless man, and the 16-year-old from Leicester were charged with murder and theft of motor vehicles, while Snook was also exposed to a number of owners of offensive weapons.

Essex police previously said that Ralph’s car, a blue Volvo V50 that was stolen outside his home, was later found in Hastings, East Sussex.

Two men, aged 30 and 39, and a woman, 21, were released on bail by the police after being arrested on suspicion of helping a criminal.

Ralph’s family described him as a man who loved being in the country and was “very young at heart”.

His nephew Tina Ralph said, “He was a man who loved all lands, especially fishing and the Norfolk Broads, and was an avid bird enthusiast.

“He loved horse racing and spent several beautiful Saturdays with a bit of a stir.

“Don was a one-of-a-kind character to him, deeply felt by his vast circle of friends and family.”