Woman fearful of 'predators' before her death, family say

The family of a "loving" woman found dead in her flat have welcomed the news that police are to review the investigation into her death following almost two years of campaigning.

Katie Beattie was found at home in Lancaster, Lancashire, on 1 July 2024, with detectives concluding the 27-year-old's death was not suspicious and an inquest unable to determine how she died.

But her sister, Kellie Rhodes, says the family has been left with "unanswered questions" and Katie had talked to them about being fearful of "predators" before her death.

The family have since successfully applied for the case to be re-examined through the Victims' Right to Review scheme.

The scheme allows victims of crime to request a formal review of a decision by the police or the Crown Prosecution Service not to prosecute a suspect or to drop a case.

Lancashire Police said: "The initial investigation has been reviewed following a victim right to review, and further enquiries are being conducted following this."

Kellie, 38, from Heysham, said she and her family were pleased to know the case was to be re-examined as a result of their campaigning.

"I really hope we can get justice for Katie and some answers for us as a family," she said, adding they "have been pushing now for two years".

"I don't wish for any other family to ever have to go through anything like this. It's just been horrendous," she said.

An inquest into Katie's death held by coroner Christopher Long at Preston Coroners' Court on 12 June 2025 recorded a conclusion that "it has not been possible on the available evidence to determine how Ms Beattie came by her death".

In Katie's case, Kellie said her family were shocked to discover blood tests had not been carried out following her death due to it not having been deemed suspicious. By the time a forensic post-mortem was carried out nine days later, it was too late.

"We want it to be made mandatory that when someone arrives at the mortuary then bloods should be taken," she said.

"It should be standard practice that bloods are taken and preserved because, by that not happening, our family has been left with no answers as to what caused Katie's death."

Kellie said when her sister had been found on her bed, she was partially naked, wearing one sock and had bruising on her body.

She said Katie also had what they believe was a puncture wound in between the fourth and fifth toes of her left foot and her left foot appeared to have been cleaned, with a sock on it, whereas her other foot had no sock on but "sock fluff" between her toes.

A bottle of washing-up liquid was found next to her on the bed, Kellie added.

Kellie said her sister was vulnerable and had been diagnosed with autism, as well as being dependent on alcohol due to struggling with mental health problems.

She said her sister had also previously told their mother about concerns about "predators" targeting her and coming to her home as they knew she was vulnerable.

Katie had previously told her mum that if they [the predators] ever got into her flat they would "inject her in her feet", Kellie added.

She said the family also wanted police to re-examine doorbell footage of a man seen going into the property with Katie at about 14:00 BST on Friday 28 June 2024 and then a male, who they believe to be the same man, leaving the property alone at about 14:00 on Sunday 30 June 2024.

Kellie said her family felt Katie had been "discriminated against", and, in their opinion, her mental health struggles and alcohol dependency influenced the decision to deem it to be not suspicious.

The BBC has contacted Lancashire Police for further comment.

Katie's family are also calling for a reform in the law to ensure that a full forensic examination takes place within 24 hours of all unexplained or potentially suspicious deaths.

More than 5,000 people have already signed the family's petition calling for Katie Beth's Law to be introduced.

Kellie said her family, including their parents Shonna and David Beattie, had been "left now with unanswered questions".

She said they felt it was "so important to get Katie Beth's Law out there" as a result and to ensure that it never happened to any other family.

Paying tribute to her sister, Kellie described her as "a happy-go-lucky girl" with a great sense of humour.

She said Katie loved her family, especially her nieces and nephews, and "loved to give gifts and to see other people happy, always putting other people before herself".

Katie worked at Pets at Home because of her love of animals, and had two pet guinea pigs and a parrot. She also worked at a supermarket alongside her sisters.

Kellie said she and her family have been supported by Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith throughout their campaign.

The BBC has contacted Smith for comment.

Lancashire Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them, adding: "Our thoughts remain with Katie's loved ones at this time."

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