Lincolnshire Police - IOPC investigation into handling of domestic abuse death

Investigation overview 

Our investigation into Lincolnshire Police's contact with Daniela Espírito Santo - who died after reporting domestic abuse to police - followed a mandatory referral from the force in April 2020. 

Ms Santo had reported an assault by her partner the day before she died and there had been multiple previous domestic related calls to her home.

Outcome 

At the end of our investigation, which concluded in December 2020, we found no indication any police officer had behaved in a manner that may have breached police standards of professional behaviour and would justify bringing disciplinary proceedings.

However, in October 2024 a jury inquest returned a verdict of unlawful killing and we have decided to re-investigate the matter on the back of information that came to light at the inquest.