Italian Farm Worker Arrested Over Murder Of Author Whose Body Was Found In Bullpen

An Italian farm worker and backpacker was arrested and charged with the murder of 53-year-old Katherine Bevan. The victim's body was discovered on Jan. 3 just before 11 p.m. at Combe Farm Arabians in the Gittisham village, Devon.

Luigi Palmas, 26, has also been charged with assault leading to actual bodily harm for an incident that happened on Jan. 20 in Exeter. Palmas is to appear before Exeter Magistrate Court today.

According to residents, she was an animal lover and her death appeared mysterious, primarily since her body bore no marks indicating any assault or injuries.

Combe Farm Arabians owner Michael Harris, speaking in an interview, said the victim's body was in the bullpen when they found her. However, he felt odd about the situation and whether or not Bevan had died in the bullpen. He also said that his animals had not been troublesome, although it is known that bulls can be unpredictable at times. Since the incident had initially appeared as a fatal work accident, the Health And Safety authorities were notified. The postmortem examination of Bevan's body resulted in the launch of a murder inquiry, according to Devon and Cornwall police spokesperson.

Harris said the farm welcomes backpackers, and Palmas had been an energetic, hard-working, and generally nice person. Palmas had come to the farm alone and stayed there for three and a half weeks.

Harris said the Italian had been recommended to him by a mutual friend visiting the farm. He said Palmas lived in one of the house bedrooms. He was pleasant and helpful and nothing genuinely objectionable stood out about him.

Harris mentioned the farm had helped many people and was a sanctuary for many. This incident was the worst nightmare he had faced yet.

Harris talked about Bevan and how happy she was at the farm, saying she had been a wonderful spirit and soul. Before Christmas, Bevan had published her book, 'Knowing Daisy.' It was about a cow on the farm she had met four years ago. It about Jumbo and how she cared for it, and how the good-natured animal had the potential of turning dangerous.

Bevan, who had been staying at the farm for about a year, knew what she was doing on the farm and followed all safety protocols. Her estranged husband said that she was loved by everyone, while former coworker Nancy Abdel, 38, said she was the most compassionate person.