Family pay tribute to "gentle and compassionate" woman found dead in Bolton flat as man charged with murder
A family have paid tribute to "gentle and compassionate" woman who was found dead inside a flat as a man was charged with her murder.
Police scrambled to a property in Bolton shortly after 10am on Monday, January 19, following reports of "a concern for welfare". Tragically, officers found a woman "unresponsive" inside the flat at Kempston Gardens and, despite attempts at CPR, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Today, police officials have named the woman as 45-year-old Gloria De Lazzari. Gloria was an Italian national living in Bolton. Police had previously revealed James Morton, 33, had been charged with her murder following his arrest on Monday.
In an emotional tribute to her daughter, Gloria’s mother said: “She was a fantastic person and a devoted daughter. I always looked forward to her visits to me in Italy, where we loved spending time together outdoors and going on long walks. She was deeply family oriented and always made an effort with me. She will be missed beyond words.”
Gloria’s ex-husband also said: “Gloria De Lazzari was a great lady with a pure soul and a gentle, compassionate heart.She was always available to help others and never held a bad thought for anyone. Her kindness, humility, and selflessness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Get the latest what’s on, Manchester United and news stories straight to your inbox with Manchester World’s free newsletter emails.
“She carried grace in her actions and warmth in her words, leaving behind memories filled with love and goodness. Gloria was truly a lovely lady, and her absence will be deeply felt by all whose lives she brightened. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her kindness live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.”
Following Gloria's death, a murder investigation was launched, with officers sealing off the flats and forensic specialists combing the scene for evidence. Neighbours described a heavy police presence throughout the day, with officers guarding the entrance to the block and Crime Scene Investigation vans parked nearby.
Resident Terence Gormley said: "I did find it shocking. It was never like this when I moved here 40 years ago. The council wanted me to move into a flat round here but I'd rather stay in my house."
Another local, who asked not to be named, said: "Stuff like this never happens around here, it is normally petty stuff with drugs. I feel sorry for the woman, it is heartbreaking."
Detective Inspector Louise Kelly from our Major Incident Team said: “This is an incident where a woman has lost her life in truly tragic circumstances. We have worked incredibly hard to identify Gloria and her next of kin, and they are being supported by specially trained officers.
“Our investigation is progressing, but we are still appealing to anyone with any information to come forward. You can contact us via 101 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 863 of 19/01/26.
Morton, of Kempston Gardens, Bolton, has since been remanded in custody. He will appear at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court on Thursday 22 January 2026.