A police investigation into the deaths of three sisters who tragically all drowned in the sea off Brighton has concluded that there is ‘no evidence of criminality’.
Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, who were described as ‘beautiful lights’ by their father, died in what police called a ‘tragic incident’ on May 13 this year.
On Sunday, Sussex Police said the trio died after entering the sea together, and confirmed that there was no evidence of third-party involvement in the deaths.
The sisters, who were born in Luton but had been living together in Greenford, north-west London when they died, were found fully clothed in the English Channel at around 5.45am.
Jane had been working as a senior accountant, Christina a junior accountant, and Rebecca Walters an HR administrator at the time of their deaths.
Rebecca had been washed onto the shore of the beach near Black Rock car park in Brighton on May 13, but was declared dead by a paramedic.
Father Joseph Jacobson (second from left) with his daughters (left to right) Jane Adetoro, Christina Walters, and Rebecca Walters in an old image. A police investigation concluded today there was no evidence of criminality in their deaths
Rebecca was washed onto the shore but declared dead by a paramedic, while Jane and Christina’s bodies were then found at sea by the RNLI and brought to shore
Jane and Christina’s bodies were then found at sea and brought to shore by an RNLI crew.
An inquest was opened into their deaths on May 29, and a post-mortem conducted in May confirmed that all three died by drowning.
The police investigation found that the sisters had been dropped off by taxi at Madeira Drive at 10.20pm on Tuesday, May 12.
Their bodies were found at around 5.45am the next day, wearing everyday clothing. No evidence was found to suggest they visited any nightclubs or local businesses in the area before they died.
Sussex Police said in a statement on Sunday evening that the evidence available has led them to conclude that the sisters all entered the water near to where their bodies were later found, and died.
The force added that details such as the sisters’ whereabouts before their deaths and their potential reasons for entering the water will be considered during the subsequent HM Coroner’s inquest, and declined to comment further.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: ‘From the outset of this complex and challenging investigation, we have been acutely aware of the speculation surrounding this incident, the public’s unanswered questions and their desire for answers.
‘Our priority throughout has been uncovering the truth for the loved ones of Jane, Rebecca and Christina, because at this incident’s core there has always been a grieving family coming to terms with an unthinkable tragedy and loss.
‘Our investigation has been thorough. Our extensive enquiries intentionally considered concerns raised by black communities surrounding the deaths of black people in or near bodies of water, as we worked to understand who the three women were, and the factors that could have led to them being found on the beach that morning.
‘However, our enquiries have now concluded, pending any new information coming to light.’
Chief Supt Hays added: ‘Jane, Rebecca and Christina’s tragic deaths sparked a national outpouring of grief, and I would like to thank everyone who supported our investigation by coming forward with information.
‘We will now support the coronial process and ask that the sisters’ family continue to be given privacy to come to terms with their loss.’
Jane, Christina and Rebecca left behind a surviving sister, Lillian, who made a poignant tribute at her siblings’ joint funeral in June by writing: ‘We were four, and now I am one.’
At a sombre service in north-west London, their father, Joseph Jacobson, said: ‘You were more than my daughters: you were my joy, my strength and the beautiful light that filled my life with love.
‘No words can truly describe the pain of losing three daughters in the prime of their lives.
‘There are moments when it feels unbearable, but I hold tightly to the memories we shared, the love we knew and the bond that nothing can ever take away.’
Recalling each of their most treasured traits, he continued: ‘Jane, I will never forget your strength. Tina, your kindness touched so many lives. Becky, your warmth and joyful spirit brought happiness wherever you went.
‘Though I can no longer see you, I carry you in my heart every day.’
Relatives previously revealed the sisters’ mother, Janice, had died by drowning in Birmingham 16 years ago.
Speaking at the funeral on behalf of the family, their cousin, Natalie Walters-Daniel, said: ‘Your lives will never be forgotten, and your memory will live on forever.
‘Together they accomplished so much.
‘They pursued their education, they built careers, they created lives that reflected the values their parents instilled in them,’ the BBC reported.
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