A homicide inquiry has been initiated after the demise of a stepfather convicted of murder while incarcerated.
Authorities were alerted at 8:25 am yesterday regarding the death of a prisoner at HMP Wakefield. The deceased prisoner was identified as Kyle Bevan, aged 33, who had been serving a sentence for the killing of Lola James, his partner’s daughter, at her residence in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
West Yorkshire Police announced today the commencement of a murder probe. Three individuals aged 45, 57, and 63 have been detained on suspicion of murder and are presently in police custody.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team stated, “Following a thorough investigation into Mr. Bevan’s demise, we are now treating this as a murder case. We are actively working to ascertain the complete circumstances and are currently interrogating the three detained individuals. The family is being kept informed as the inquiry advances.”
The injuries sustained by Lola James were described by medical professionals as akin to those from a high-velocity car collision, with 101 scratches and bruises on her small body, indicating the use of weapons.
The tragic incident occurred after Bevan, a habitual drug user, moved into the household shortly after connecting with Lola’s mother, Sinead James, on social media platform Facebook.
Initially, Bevan alleged that Lola’s injuries were accidental, attributing them to a fall down the stairs after a mishap involving the family pet. However, a medical examination revealed that Lola had suffered severe brain injuries, catastrophic retinal damage, and a total of 101 injuries.
Following the incident, Lola was rushed to Withybush Hospital but succumbed to her injuries four days later on July 21, 2020, without regaining consciousness.
Bevan, originally from Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, vehemently denied the murder accusations but was eventually convicted in 2023.
