Epsom headteacher dances with daughter, 7, before being ‘shot by dad in murder-suicide’
A heartbreaking video has emerged showing Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison performing a dance duet with her daughter Lettie.
The mum, 45, her husband George, 39, and their seven-year-old were tragically found dead at their home in the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey on Sunday.
Yesterday, police confirmed they had launched a homicide investigation, and said Mr Pattison legally owned a gun that was discovered at the scene.
The deaths are being investigated as a possible murder-suicide, where Mr Pattison killed his wife and daughter before turning the gun on himself.
A touching clip has now come to light in the wake of the tragedy, capturing Emma and Lettie beaming towards the camera while dancing in their kitchen.
The video was filmed in 2020 as the joyous pair sang along and jumped around to Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop The Feeling.
It comes as tributes pour in for the family from school workers, friends and ex-colleagues.
Nursery worker Chloe Rathbone, who previously took care of Lettie, said she was “utterly heartbroken” over the young child’s death.
She told The Times: “I knew Emma, George and Lettie and I am utterly heartbroken over this news.”
The 27-year-old added: “Lettie was perfect in every way.”
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@EmmaLPattison1/Twitter)
A neighbour also paid tribute to the young girl, telling The Telegraph: “You used to hear her playing in the garden, she was always asking them questions and just seemed like a happy, inquisitive little girl.”
Another resident said: “She was just a typical, well brought-up, lovely little girl. It’s just tragic.”
Emma’s former colleagues released a statement in memory of their “dear friend”, saying they are “immensely shocked and saddened” by the news of her death.
Speaking on behalf of Ms Pattison’s former workplace Croydon High School, Cheryl Giovannoni said: “We are immensely shocked and saddened by the news about the death of Emma Pattison, her daughter Lettie and her husband George.
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Jonathan Buckmaster)
“Our thoughts are with their family at this time, as well as everyone at Croydon High School, and Epsom College, which Emma joined as head in September 2022.
“Emma was a much loved and respected member of the GDST community, as well as a talented head and teacher and a dear friend to many of us.
“She touched the lives of all of us with her energy, wisdom and kindness during her six years as head of Croydon High School and the school will always bear the legacy of her inspiring leadership.
“We are taking time to support staff and students at Croydon High School as well as everyone in the GDST family, and their wellbeing will be our priority in the coming days.”
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PA)
The tragedy has rocked the local community and school, which will reportedly close until after the half-term break as police conduct their investigation.
In a letter to parents, the BBC reported that Mr Williams said: “Now is a time for families to come together and try and process this shocking news.
“The impact on your children cannot be underestimated and we are doing everything we possibly can to support them in whatever way they need.”
Mrs Pattison had reportedly contacted her sister with concerns about her husband in the hours before the killings, and when she arrived at the house she found all three members of the family dead.
While a gun was found at the scene, the force said causes of death will not be confirmed until post-mortem examinations are carried out later this week.
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Jonathan Buckmaster)
Mr Pattison had been in contact with Surrey Police just days before the killings about his gun licence in order to change his address after the family moved to the school site from Caterham.
A statement from the force said: “We had contact with George on February 2 after he notified us of a previous change of address, as is routine.
“Due to the short period of time between that contact and this incident, we have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
The IOPC said it is assessing the information available to decide if any further action is necessary.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, senior investigating officer on the case, said: “This is an incredibly traumatic incident and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances which led to this point.
“We understand the public concern and upset, and we will clarify what we can, when we can, while respecting the right to a level of privacy for the families of those who have lost their lives.”