Man sentenced for the murder of ‘one in a million’ woman

A man has been sentenced to life today for the brutal murder of 61-year-old Wendy Francis earlier this year.

Damian Homer, 50, of Haresfield Close in Worcester was handed the sentence, with a minimum term of 20 years at Worcester Crown Court today (7 November 2024) after previously pleading guilty to murder and the attempted murder of another woman. 

On 2 March 2024 Homer launched a ruthless knife attack on Wendy Francis and another woman, aged 38, in a house on Haresfield Close in Worcester.

Wendy tragically died at the scene.  The 38-year-old woman was very seriously injured but fortunately survived.

Homer was known to Wendy and her family.

Retired Detective Chief Inspector Leighton Harding, who led the investigation, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts continue to be with Wendy’s family.  Her loss has left a huge hole in their lives.  They are utterly heartbroken, but the courage they’ve shown throughout the court proceedings has been incredible. 

“I would also like to commend the second victim, who survived Homer’s attack. Despite the unimaginable trauma she faced, the bravery she has shown has been inspiring and without doubt the evidence she was able to provide was instrumental in securing the conviction of Homer and today’s sentence.

“I’d also like to thank the investigation team, who worked tirelessly to ensure that Homer was charged with murder and attempted murder as quickly as possible. 

“Nothing can bring Wendy back or ease the pain that her murder has caused her family, but I hope that today’s sentence, and the knowledge that Homer will now face the consequences of his brutal actions by spending a significant number of years in prison, allows them some closure going forwards.”

Wendy’s family have paid tribute to her, saying:

Wendy really was a one in a million with a heart of gold, amazing in so many ways, her bubbly personality would light up a room and put a smile on everyone’s face.

She would do anything for anyone.  She welcomed Damian Homer into the family with open arms, showing nothing but love, support and loyalty towards him, which makes all of this so much harder to comprehend.  We will never come to terms with why this happened on the 2nd of March, but what we do know is she will be loved and missed forever.  The void she has left in the lives of her family and friends is one that will never be filled. 

We know our loved ones don’t live forever, but this wasn’t her time, she was snatched away from us for reasons we will never understand. It’s going to be so hard but we should try and live our lives to the full and live a life which would make her proud, that’s what she would want.

We haven’t got it in our hearts to say goodbye…. but we will say what you always used to say to us….. Goodnight, God bless. 

Photo of Wendy, supplied by her family.