Dad accused of murdering mom, 2-year-old daughter appears in court (Braintree, England, United Kingdom)

Dad DAVID OAKES is charged with the murder of his 2-year-old daughter and her mother, his "ex-partner." A 10-year-old girl who somehow managed to escape the bloodbath is now motherless.

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Father who 'shot dead ex-partner and daughter before turning gun on himself' appears before court with huge facial wound

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 5:04 PM on 24th June 2011

A father accused of shooting dead his ex-partner and daughter before turning the gun on himself appeared in court today.

David Oakes, 50, is accused of murdering Christine Chambers, 38, and Shania, two, who were found dead in their home in Braintree, Essex.

The suspect - who apparently shot himself in the head - had a large facial wound and struggled to speak as he confirmed his name, date of birth and address.

He had been held under police guard in hospital since the incident and was charged this morning over the killings on June 6.

Miss Chambers’ daughter Chelsea, ten, apparently fled the home as her mother and half sister were killed.

Oakes, who was wearing a dark suit, did not enter a plea to the two counts of murder as he appeared before Colcester Magistrates' Court.

There was a large media presence as he arrived in the back of a Ford Galaxy police car.

The alleged killer had a 12inch synthetic foam bandage covering his left cheek with large black stitching holding it it place.

A smaller piece of foam bandage could be seen on the left of his chin.

His left eye was swollen slightly and appeared to be partially closed.

Oakes sat flanked by two police officers during the two-minute hearing.

The court was called to rise and Oakes climbed unsteadily to his feet, using his right hand to grip the left arm of the officer who was stood to his side.

A black tattooed snake could be seen on his left hand as six police officers stood at the back of the court room.

The clerk of the court asked Oakes to confirm his name and date of birth.

He said: 'You are charged with the murder of Christine Chambers and the murder of Shania Chambers contrary to common law.

He asked: 'Do you understand?' Oakes mumbled ‘Yes’.

The clerk continued: 'Are both parties ready for the case to be sent to the crown court?' Russell Halndane, for Oakes, said there would be no application for bail when the case reaches Chelmsford Crown Court.

He said: 'There is no opposition [to remand in custody] of course and it it assists there is to be no application before the crown court.

Oakes sat down unsteadily before the court was cleared of press and staff for security purposes.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday.

Essex Police were called to Ms Chambers' home in the early hours of June 6 following reports of a disturbance.

There was a stand-off as officers attempted to negotiate with the gunman. They entered the house after shots were fired and found Ms Chambers and Shania dead.

Christine’s parents Ken and Jean Chambers have thanked friends and well-wishers following the killing and described their daughter as 'wonderful' and her little girl as 'beautiful'.

They said: 'Chrissie was a wonderful daughter, mother and sister. Shania was a beautiful little girl.

'We were proud to have her as a daughter. We also feel blessed to have had Shania in our lives for the short time we did.'

They said their daughter had a 'wicked laugh and sense of humour'.