Murder suspect Michael Cope is due in court today charged with the brutal killing of Salford mum-of-two Linzi Ashton.
After a month-long manhunt, armed officers were called to an address in Leigh on Friday where they arrested Cope.
Cope, of no fixed address, is charged with murder as well as separate offences of rape and assault after Linzi had complained to police in April and May that Cope had raped and beaten her.
Linzi, 25, was found dead at her home on Westbourne Road, Winton, by relatives shortly before 6pm on Saturday June 29.
A Home Office post mortem concluded Linzi died as a result of pressure to the neck and multiple injuries.
In a statement issued shortly after her death, her family said: “She was the most beautiful, generous, caring person anyone could ever wish to meet. She would never harm anyone and was always there for her children and family.
“Life will never be the same again without her. Our whole family and friends have been devastated by her death. The whole community is in shock.”
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