Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
No police watchdog probe into ‘murder-suicide’ at tattoo shop
County force to carry out own investigation of prior contact with couple
The police watchdog says it will not be investigating Kent Police’s interactions with a couple who died in a suspected ‘murder-suicide’.
It emerged last week that Catalin Micu was on police bail when he was found dead at Gothink Studio tattoo parlour in Canterbury last Monday, along with his “kind, amazing” wife Ramona Stoia, 35.
Micu - who is believed to have murdered his wife before taking his own life - was facing allegations he had raped her multiple times throughout their marriage.
The 54-year-old had been interviewed by police before the apparent murder-suicide, with Ramona accusing of him of a series of sexual assaults against her.
Kent Police referred itself to police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following its contact with the couple prior to their deaths.
But the IOPC has now confirmed it will not be investigating.
The matter will instead be investigated internally by police, while the IOPC will scrutinise the results of the probe.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “Having carefully considered a referral from Kent Police, we have decided the matter does not require independent oversight by the IOPC.
“We have directed the force to carry out an investigation and will receive a copy of the investigator’s final report, which ensures an appropriate level of independent scrutiny of the matter.”
In February, mum-of-one Ramona secured a non-molestation order - a court injunction restricting or banning contact against Micu.
It is thought the couple - who have a young son - continued to live together, but Micu was banned from “harassing or pestering” her.
But on March 26, he was arrested on suspicion of having breached this order, and of seriously sexually assaulting his wife.
Ramona came forward with a series of historic allegations of rape against her husband, dating back throughout their 16-year relationship but primarily taking place in the last few years.
There were five separate allegations, all of which reportedly took place at the family home.
Following his arrest, Micu was placed on police bail until April 20.
But under the bail conditions, he was still allowed to work alongside Ramona at Gothink Studio, of which he was the sole director.
At about 5.20pm last Monday, dozens of armed police officers descended upon the tattoo parlour, where the couple were found dead.
Police say they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy.
Only Ramona’s death is being treated as suspicious, while police say Micu’s is not.
The tragedy sparked an outpouring of tributes from across Canterbury, where Ramona was well-known as a talented tattoo artist.
A collage of pictures of Ramona has since been put up on the doors of the shop in Lower Bridge Street, along with dozens of flowers, candles and written tributes.
Tarpaulin sheets had been covering the front of the tattoo parlour last week, but these have since been removed.
One tribute left at the scene reads: “RIP Ramona. You were a beautiful soul. You will be
missed so much.”
Another says: “I never knew you but unfortunately can relate to your experiences. You deserved to be here and free of violence. I hope you have some sense of peace.”
Anyone who has any concerns or information regarding the incident should call police on 101, quoting 11-0995.
■ For support with issues of domestic violence call Refuge’s helpline for free on 0808 2000247.
Domestic Abuse One Stop Shops offer free advice, information and support from a range of agencies all under one roof in order to help victims of domestic abuse.
No appointment is needed. Canterbury One Stop runs every Thursday from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Prince of Wales Youth Club in Military Road.
View support services available in your area at domesticabuseservices.org.uk.