'Adored' woman, 93, at centre of Gatley murder investigation named as family pays tribute

Yahoo

17-04-2025

The 93-year-old woman at the centre of a murder investigation in a Stockport suburb has been named as her heartbroken loved ones paid tribute.
Judith Zussman, known as Judy, was found dead at a house on Altrincham Road, Gatley, on Wednesday morning (April 16). Her family said she was a 'much loved and devoted wife to her late husband Jack' and an 'adored sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother'.
"Her family meant the world to her," they added.
READ MORE: Missing Manchester man found dead in Tenerife
READ MORE: Man had leg amputated after shotgun and machete 'hit', attempted murder trial hears
Police attended at 9.38am. A cordon was put in place while detectives and forensics investigators searched the property.
Judy was the widow of well-known mineralogist Professor Jack Zussman, a former University of Manchester head of department, who died last August aged 100.
A photo shows Judy with Jack last summer as they celebrated his birthday. They attended the Menorah Synagogue in Sharston, Wythenshawe, not far from their home, having joined in 1975.
Judy and Jack met in 1959. At the time, she was a nursing sister at Manchester Royal Infirmary. They married in 1960 and went on to have three children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren, it is understood.
A 39-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder. She has since been detained under the Mental Health Act.
In a statement, Judy's family said: "Judy was a much loved and devoted wife to her late husband Jack, and an adored sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her family meant the world to her.
"We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support at this tragic time. We kindly ask for privacy as we process our sad loss."
Greater Manchester Police said the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previous contact.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Adam Hitchen said on Wednesday: "The priority for our investigation is understanding the full circumstances which led to this tragic incident and getting justice for the victim.
"Our thoughts are with the victim's family, who are aware and are being supported by specialist officers. We recognise that this investigation may cause concern within the local community, but I want to assure the public that this is an isolated incident, with a swift arrest made, and no wider threat.
"You will notice an increased presence in the area today whilst we conduct enquiries, but also across the coming days as the local neighbourhood team look to provide reassurance to those living close by."
Cheadle MP Tom Morrison said: "No one should ever have to experience such a loss, and I know the whole community will share in the sense of shock and sadness at [yesterday's] news."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log number 726 of April 16.