Charles William Koopman

Charles Koopman murdered Gladys Lavinia Brewer 22 and Shirley Brewer 2 who he battered to death at 1 Grove Flats, Grove Place, Ealing, London on 8 September 1943.

Charles Koopman had known Gladys Brewer for some time having first met in 1938. They had again met up again in late 1942. Her husband was in the navy.

Charles Koopman had been given weekend leave because he was being posted to Bridlington but he didnt show up for duty and had run off with his wife. Charles Koopman and his wife were at Gladys Brewer's place on 8 September and Charles Koopman was teasing Gladys Brewer by turning down the gas when she was reading. She argued with him to leave her alone and Charles Koopman picked up a hammer to scare her and before he knew it he had beaten her to death. His wife had stopped him in the end but she didnt do anything when Charles Koopman picked up Gladys Brewer's child Shirley Brewer and took her into another room and beat her to death with the hammer also. He said he did it because he didnt want her to be without a mother.

They were later arrested in Slough. Police determiend that Charles Koopman's wife had not been involved and Charles Koopman was tried for murder and convicted.