Hansa Patel, 62, was found with head injuries inside a home in Drew Gardens, Greenford, at around 5pm on 25 November. Her 31-year-old son has been charged with the murder on 27 November 2020.
Despite of all efforts from police officers and paramedics, Hansa was pronounced dead at the scene almost 30 minutes after the incident. The Met Police said that a post-mortem examination has been scheduled in due course.
Since then tributes have been paid to the ‘gentle and loving’ mother. Neighbours said Ms Patel lived with her husband and their son, while their older son lived in nearby Ruislip.
The Sun reported that Akbar Khan, a civil engineer, said his wife was friends with Ms Patel. He told The Sun, “She was a lovely lady, it’s very sad. She was a gentle person, a placid person.
“My wife knew them well. Yesterday, I left the house at about 5.05pm and my wife said as soon as I left, it all went crazy.
“It’s quite shocking. The parents were really nice people, they were really nice people.
“She worked in a hospital and her husband told her to retire early because of Covid."
A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed that Shanil is Hansa's son.
Following the incident, police officers and a forensic team was seen as gathering evidence at the place, and the road was closed off to non-residents.
Chief Superintendent Peter Gardner, of the Met’s West Area Command reportedly said, “This is a devastating incident and my thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time.
“I would like to reassure residents who will have noted a large police presence in the area last night and throughout today.
“These officers are there to assist with the investigation and also to provide local reassurance and support.”
A hearing was held at the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday 1 December. Shanil did not attend.
He is next due to appear at the same court on Tuesday 16 February 2021, pending the completion of a psychiatric report.
