Cambridgeshire shootings: Stephen Alderton, 66, appears in court charged with murder after father and son found dead
A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murders of a father and son who were shot dead in two villages six miles apart.
Joshua Dunmore, 32, and his dad Gary, 57, were killed in their Cambridgeshire homes on Wednesday night.
Stephen Alderton was subsequently charged with two counts of murder and one count of possession of a firearm.
The 66-year-old stood before Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court this morning, where he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
The defendant was wearing grey prison issue sweatshirt and joggers during the brief five-minute hearing.
He was flanked by two male prison guards in the glass dock.
Alderton was remanded in custody before an appearance at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday.
The bodies of Gary and Joshua were discovered at properties in The Row, Sutton, and Meridian Close, Bluntisham, on March 29.
Builder Josh was targeted at around 9pm, and his dad was killed 37 minutes later.
Heartbroken family members described the pair as “devoted” and “loving” in a statement released through Cambridgeshire Constabulary on Friday.
They said: “Josh was a devoted father and a loving uncle.
“He was a wonderful son and brother and leaves behind an extensive group of family and friends.
“He will be deeply missed and the devastation this has caused will never heal.
“Gary was the most devoted son, brother, dad and grandad, who gave everything for those he loved.
“He was a gentle and generous person who always put others before himself and he’ll be massively missed by his family and all those who knew and loved him.”
A note pinned to flowers outside Gary’s home read: “To my dear neighbour Gary.
“A man who loved his family dearly, a dear friend to all, so helpful and kind and was always around as a friend and my little odd job man.
“I’m going to miss you.”
Another left outside Josh’s house said: “Rest easy Josh. Your son was a very lucky boy to have a dad like you.
“Your bubbly personality will be dearly missed.”
Police said post-mortem examinations will take place at Peterborough City Hospital on Monday.
A man, 27, and a woman, 33, were previously arrested in connection with the deaths but were released with no further action taken.