A mother has been charged with the murder of her two-year-old daughter, who was found dead in a pond after going missing from her home in Kingsley, Hampshire.
Tragic Disappearance and Discovery
On September 10, 2023, Annabel Mackey was reported missing from her home, sparking an urgent police search. Tragically, she was found a short time later, lying unresponsive in Kingsley Pond, approximately half a mile from her £650,000 family home. She was rushed to the hospital but passed away the following day.
Her mother, Alice Mackey, 42, has now been charged with her murder and has been remanded in custody ahead of a court appearance.
Father’s Heartfelt Tribute
Annabel’s father, Peter Mackey, paid tribute to his daughter, describing her as a “beautiful, positive, and very happy little girl.”
“She had an incredibly pure and caring nature that we miss so much. She loved storytime, dogs, and her dolly. She enjoyed singing songs and nursery rhymes and had a very sweet tooth.
“Annabel loved to laugh; she brought so much happiness into our lives. She was dearly loved by her family and friends.
“Please continue Annabel’s legacy by remembering her and caring for others as much as she did. The world needs more people like Annabel to spread positivity and kindness.”
Police Investigation
Following Annabel’s death, a major crime investigation was launched by Hampshire Constabulary. The police conducted an extensive inquiry into her disappearance and the circumstances leading to her death, including searches by police divers in Kingsley Pond.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said:
“A woman arrested following the death of a two-year-old girl who was found at Kingsley Pond, East Hampshire, in September 2023, has today (Tuesday, 4 March) been charged with murder.
“Alice Mackey, 42, of Gibbs Lane in Oakhanger, has been remanded into custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 5 March 2025.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Mackey is set to appear in Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court as police continue their investigation. The case remains under active legal proceedings, with further details expected in due course.
More updates will follow as the investigation develops.