Key Points
- Court Appearance: James Morton, 33, has appeared before a judge at crown court facing a charge of murder following the death of 45-year-old Italian national Gloria De Lazzari in Bolton.
- Incident Details: Officers from Greater Manchester Police discovered Gloria De Lazzari unresponsive inside a residential property on Kempston Gardens, Halliwell, Bolton, following reports expressing concern for her welfare.
- Formal Identification & Tributes: The victim was officially identified as Gloria De Lazzari, an Italian national described by her grieving family as a "fantastic person" and a "devoted daughter" who regularly visited her family in Italy.
- Tributes from Loved Ones: Emotional tributes were released by the victim's mother, who highlighted their shared love for the outdoors, and her ex-husband, who praised her compassionate nature, humility, and selflessness.
- Police Appeal: Detective Inspector Louise Kelly, leading the investigation for Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team, confirmed that enquiries remain ongoing and reiterated an urgent appeal for members of the public to come forward with any relevant information.
- Legal Attribution: Reporting of this case incorporates findings and official statements compiled across regional news outlets, including reports by Chief Reporter Joe Harrigan of The Bolton News, alongside coverage from ITV News Granada and official briefings issued by Greater Manchester Police.
Bolton (Bolton Today) August 22, 2026 - A 33-year-old man accused of the murder of an Italian national inside a residential flat in Greater Manchester has appeared before a judge as proceedings progress through the criminal justice system. James Morton, of Kempston Gardens, Halliwell, Bolton, stands charged with the murder of 45-year-old Gloria De Lazzari. The appearance follows an extensive investigation launched by Greater Manchester Police after officers discovered the victim unresponsive at an address in the Halliwell area of the town.
The legal proceedings mark a critical step in the prosecution's case following the fatal incident, which has shocked the local community and sparked widespread grief among the victim's family both in the United Kingdom and in her native country of Italy. As reported by Chief Reporter Joe Harrigan of The Bolton News, the defendant, James Morton, appeared before the court accused of taking the life of Ms De Lazzari, who had moved to Bolton from Italy and was widely remembered by those close to her as a "devoted daughter."
What led to the arrest of the suspect in Bolton?
The criminal investigation was initiated following an urgent emergency response by law enforcement officers to a residential address located on Kempston Gardens in the Halliwell district of Bolton. As detailed in coverage published by ITV News Granada, police officers were dispatched to the property at approximately 10:00 am after receiving reports raising concern for the welfare of an occupant inside the building.
Upon forcing entry or gaining access to the premises, emergency services located 45-year-old Gloria De Lazzari unresponsive inside the flat. Despite the immediate attendance of medical personnel and police officers, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The circumstances surrounding her death prompted officers from Greater Manchester Police to establish a crime scene immediately, preserving the flat for detailed forensic examination while detectives from the force’s Major Incident Team took oversight of the case.
Following initial enquiries at the scene and preliminary forensic assessments, police arrested 33-year-old James Morton, who resided at the same address on Kempston Gardens. Morton was taken into police custody for formal questioning before being officially charged with murder. As outlined by ITV News Granada, Morton was subsequently remanded in custody to make his initial judicial appearance at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court, prior to his case being sent to the Crown Court for full trial management and preliminary hearings.
Who was victim Gloria De Lazzari?
Gloria De Lazzari was a 45-year-old Italian national who had relocated to the United Kingdom and was living in Bolton at the time of her death. Following her formal identification by police coroners and specialized officers, her family released deeply moving tributes commemorating her life, character, and the profound loss caused by her sudden passing.
Her mother, speaking from Italy, remembered her daughter as a central figure in her family whose visits home were cherished deeply. As reported by ITV News Granada, Gloria De Lazzari’s mother paid tribute to her daughter, describing her as a "fantastic person and a devoted daughter." In an emotional statement shared publicly through Greater Manchester Police, her mother stated:
"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."
Further tributes were paid by the victim’s ex-husband, who spoke warmly of her gentle character, highlighting her dedication to helping those around her and her unwavering positivity. As cited in reporting by ITV News Granada, her ex-husband described Ms De Lazzari as a "great lady with a pure soul and a gentle, compassionate heart."
Expanding on her legacy and personal virtues, he stated in his published tribute:
"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. 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."
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What have Greater Manchester Police said about the ongoing investigation?
Greater Manchester Police have maintained a visible presence in the Halliwell area while continuing to piece together the events leading up to the discovery of Ms De Lazzari. Senior investigating officers have emphasized that while a suspect has been charged and brought before the courts, the investigative process remains active and ongoing.
As reported by ITV News Granada, Detective Inspector Louise Kelly, belonging to Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team, issued an official statement outlining the trajectory of the police enquiry and appealing to the public for assistance. Detective Inspector Kelly stated:
"Our investigation is progressing, but we are still appealing to anyone with any information to come forward."
Investigating officers have urged anyone who may have witnessed unusual activity around Kempston Gardens, or who possesses background information relevant to the timeline of events, to get in touch with the police team. As noted in public information releases from Greater Manchester Police, members of the public can contact investigators directly by calling 101 or utilizing the Live Chat function on the official website (gmp.police.uk), referencing log number 863 of 19/01/26. Alternatively, for individuals wishing to provide information while remaining completely anonymous, reports can be submitted through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
What happens next in the legal proceedings?
With the defendant James Morton having appeared in court accused of murder, the judicial process follows strict statutory protocols under English criminal law. Indictable-only offences such as murder cannot be tried in the Magistrates' Court and must be remitted to the Crown Court for plea hearings, case management, and ultimate trial before a judge and jury.
During preliminary court appearances, considerations surrounding bail, custody status, and timetable management are established. Given the gravity of a murder charge, defendants are routinely remanded in custody pending subsequent Crown Court appearances. The prosecution, represented by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), will work alongside Greater Manchester Police to compile and present the complete evidentiary file, including forensic findings, witness statements, and digital evidence.
As Chief Reporter Joe Harrigan of The Bolton News noted in his coverage of the court proceedings, the case represents a major criminal prosecution for the Bolton area, drawing significant attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the victim's journey from Italy to Greater Manchester. The legal process will continue through upcoming Crown Court dates where formal pleas will be entered, and trial arrangements finalised.