Police Marked Murder Call as Hoax Days After Woman Was Killed by Violent Abuser

A call reporting a suspected murder linked to a known violent offender was incorrectly marked as a hoax by police just days after one of his victims had been killed, a watchdog investigation has revealed.

Naomi Hunte, 41, and Fiona Holm, 48, were murdered by handyman Carl Cooper, who had previously been in relationships with both women. Each had reported him to the Metropolitan Police over violent and controlling behaviour before their deaths. Cooper was later jailed for life in 2024 after being convicted of stabbing Ms Hunte and killing Ms Holm, whose body has never been recovered.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed that misconduct notices have now been served on 10 Metropolitan Police officers who had contact with the two women. The action significantly broadens an inquiry that began two years ago following complaints from the victims’ families.

Court proceedings heard that Ms Hunte contacted police multiple times in 2020 and 2021, expressing fear that Cooper was stalking and harassing her. During one call out to her home in June 2021, she told officers she was scared and described his behaviour as obsessive.

Ms Holm also reported Cooper to police in April 2023, alleging assault. He was arrested following that complaint but was not charged. Investigators now say that a more thorough investigation at the time could have identified key witnesses and potentially enabled a victimless prosecution, even if Ms Holm had been reluctant to proceed.

The watchdog is investigating five officers over their handling of Ms Holm’s report, including a detective sergeant and detective constable for potential gross misconduct. A detective inspector and two police constables are being investigated for potential misconduct.

Separately, three constables and a sergeant are being investigated over their response to Ms Hunte’s earlier reports. Another constable is under investigation for the handling of a June 2023 control room call that reported a murder linked to Cooper. The call was categorised as a hoax. Days later, Ms Holm was reported missing.

The families of both women have criticised the police response, arguing that warning signs were repeatedly ignored. Legal representatives for the families say the women were failed by the system and that earlier intervention may have prevented their deaths.

The IOPC has stressed that the issuing of misconduct notices does not automatically mean disciplinary action will follow. At the conclusion of the investigation, a decision will be made on whether any officers should face formal proceedings.

The case has renewed scrutiny of how domestic abuse complaints are handled in London, particularly in cases involving repeat offenders and vulnerable victims. Campaigners continue to call for stronger safeguards, improved risk assessments and more consistent follow up when women report stalking, assault or coercive control.