Three to appear in court charged with murder of couple in suspected arson attack

The three suspects are set to stand trial for the murder of Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson at their home last year

Three people are set to go on trial today accused of murdering an elderly couple in a suspected arson attack in St Helens. Lee Owens, 46, Kevin Weetman, 34, and Kylie Maynard, 37 are set to begin their trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, January 19.

The three are charged with the murder of great-grandparents, Eric Greener, 77, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, at their home on South John Street, St Helens early on July 15 2025.

In addition to the murder charges, Maynard and Weetman have further denied conspiracy to supply cocaine. While all three suspects have pleaded not guilty to murder, Owens has pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter.

Following reports of a fire at a property on South John Street, St Helens, emergency services rushed to the scene and worked to put out the fire and try and rescue Eric and Sheila. After quickly being taken to hospital, it was announced Eric had died on July 16, with his partner dying the morning after.

Shortly after the incident, the couple’s local MP, Marie Rimmer for St Helens South and Whiston paid tribute. She said: “My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to loved ones of Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson after the news of their passing during a house fire in Fingerpost.

“Many years ago, I was a family friend of Sheila’s during our childhood in Gerard’s Bridge; back then, you could tell that she was a warm-hearted, community-spirited person.

“In the past 48 hours I have been moved to read from so many people that both Sheila and Peter continued to be an important part of their community.

“This is extremely saddening and concerning news. I pray that they now rest peacefully.”

The trial is scheduled to start at 10.30am today.