Husband admits murdering wife whose body was found in freezer at their home weeks later

Published: 10:39 EDT, 6 October 2026 | Updated: 10:54 EDT, 6 October 2026 A man has admitted murdering his wife and dumping her body in a freezer at the home they shared in West Yorkshire.David Barraclough, 45, pleaded guilty to the murder of mother-of-three Carolann Barraclough, 37, on Tuesday, the first day of a scheduled trial at Leeds Crown Court.Barraclough was expected to deny murder, claiming diminished responsibility, but loudly pleaded ‘guilty’ when the charge was put to him.He admitted killing Mrs Barraclough – who an inquest heard died from ‘blunt force head trauma’ – between February 19 and February 21. David Barraclough pleaded guilty to the murder of his wife, Carolann Barraclough The body of Carolann Barraclough was found in a freezer at the couple's home in Horbury, West Yorkshire, on March 6However her body was not found at the property near Wakefield until March 6 – around two weeks after her death – after concerns were raised for her welfare.Judge Andrew Stubbs KC remanded Barraclough into custody ahead of a further hearing on Wednesday.His sentencing is expected to be adjourned for the preparation of pre-sentence reports, including examination of his mental health.Following Mrs Barraclough’s death, cards and floral tributes were laid at her home, including a message describing Carolann as a ‘beautiful and amazing sister.’