Top private school headteacher made a distress call before suspected murder-suicide

Emma Pattison, headmistress at a prestigious British school, was discovered next to her husband George and seven-year-old daughter Lettie.

Emma, George and Lettie Pattison were found dead. Picture: John Wildgoose 2017/epsomcollege.org

A top private school headteacher called a family member in distress hours before she was found dead, it is reported.

Emma Pattison, headmistress at the prestigious Epsom College near London, was discovered next to her husband George and seven-year-old daughter Lettie at around 1am on Sunday, The Sun reported.

Earlier that evening, she made a phone call to a relative with concerns about her partner, according to the BBC.

By the time they arrived at the house, which is surrounded by other properties occupied by college staff, all three were dead.

Emma, George and Lettie Pattison were found dead. Picture: John Wildgoose 2017/epsomcollege.org

Cops have not disclosed the cause of deaths but are confident no one else was involved in the “isolated” incident.

Detectives suspect George, 39, killed his wife Emma, 45, and little Lettie before taking his own life.

A police car is parked at an entrance to Epsom College (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, senior investigating officer on the case, said today: “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.

“We are cooperating fully with the IOPC in relation to the referral we have made, and we await the outcome of its assessment of what further action may be required.”

The tragedy has shaken the community and devastated those that knew the “lovely” family.

One former neighbour said: “It is just shocking and unimaginable.”

Chloe Rathbone, 27, a nursery worker who looked after Lettie, told The Times: “I am utterly so heartbroken over this awful news.

“They were such a lovely family and Lettie was perfect in every way, everything you could have wished for in a little girl.”
Emma became the first female head of $72,000-a-year Epsom College in September 2022 after six years at Croydon High School in South London.

Epsom College (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

She lived on-site with her daughter, Labrador puppy Bella and husband George, who ran a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.

Despite moving to Epsom from their $2.6 million property in nearby Caterham last year, the Pattisons reportedly only recently finished transporting the last of their belongings.

Removal vans were spotted outside the four-bedroom detached home, where they had lived since 2014, in the last few weeks.

Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s Borough Commander, said: “I know this incident has caused upset and sent shockwaves through the local community.

“Although we are confident that this incident was contained to one address, and there is no risk to the wider public, I fully understand the concern this can and has caused members of our communities.

“Therefore, the public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the local area in the coming days.”

This story was originally published by The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Top private school headteacher made a distress call before suspected murder-suicide