Princess Anne's dog trainer injured in shooting near Stanley Johnson's Exmoor estate dies in hospital

Police are not searching for anyone else in connection with the shooting
John Zurick/Facebook
Bonnie Christian27 February 2020
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Princess Anne's dog trainer who was injured in a shooting near Boris Johnson's father's estate has died in hospital, police have said.

John Zurick, 67, was taken to hospital with severe shotgun injuries following the shooting on February 22 in Winsford, Somerset.

His wife, Deborah Zurick, 56, was pronounced dead at the scene having suffered shotgun injuries and her death is being treated as murder.

Avon and Somerset Police said Mr Zurick died earlier today at a hospital in Devon.

Debbie Zurick was a dog breeder who supplied spaniels to Princess Anne 
Facebook

Mr and Mrs Zurick were neighbours of Stanley Johnson – the father of the Prime Minister - and supplied spaniels to Princess Anne.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rice, of the major crime investigation team, said: “This is a tragic incident and detectives, investigators and crime scene specialists are working closely with local uniformed officers to examine the scene and reassure the local community.

“Dedicated liaison officers are also supporting family members and friends through this difficult time.

“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, and our focus is now on supporting those affected by it, and completing our inquiries so we can provide a file of evidence to the coroner’s office for Somerset.

Boris Johnson's father Stanley Johnson
AFP via Getty Images

“My team and I will continue to co-operate with the Independent Office for Police Conduct on their investigation.

“There has been a large police presence in the small hamlet of Winsford and I would like to thank the local community for their patience, co-operation and support while we conducted our investigations.

“I would like anyone with concerns, worries or any information to speak to their local neighbourhood officers either face-to-face, by calling 101, or contacting us through our website.”

On Monday night, Stanley Johnson paid tribute to Ms Zurick saying she would be "sorely missed by her many friends."

A second woman, who was being treated as a key witness after a murder probe was launched following Ms Zurick's death, was located nearby and taken to a place of safety. She was uninjured.

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