DOUBLE DEATH MUM AND SON NAMED
Police suspect a tragic case of murder-suicide
A mother and son found dead in a Sunderland house have been named as police reveal they are investigating a suspected murder-suicide.
A murder inquiry has been launched after the body of Janice Woolford was found at a house in Satley Gardens.
The 68-year-old mother had suffered injuries consistent with stabbing.
The body of her son, Michael Woolford, was also found inside the property after emergency services were initially called to reports of concern for a woman shortly after 10am on Wednesday, February 26.
The 44-year-old had not suffered any visible injuries, but police believe had taken a large quantity of drugs.
Northumbria Police has confirmed detectives are treating the two deaths as a murder-suicide as they release the identities of the two bodies found at the home.
Both Janice Woolford and her son were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Enquiries into the circumstances around the deaths are ongoing, but detectives are treating the death of the 68-year-old mother as murder. They do not believe anyone else is involved.
Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb, the senior investigating officer of the case, said: “This is a tragic case that has obviously had a devastating impact on Janice and Michael’s family.
“An investigation into the circumstances around the death are ongoing, but the evidence we have gathered at this stage suggests it as a suspected murder-suicide.
“A post-mortem examination has taken place that has confirmed Janice died from stab wounds, but we still need to wait for a toxicology report to confirm that Michael had died of a drugs overdose.
“Once we have concluded our investigation then we will provide the Coroner with a report.
“I would like to reassure members of the community that there is no wider threat to the public and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage.
“We would ask that the public respect the privacy of the family at what is an incredibly difficult time for them.”
Anyone with information surrounding the deaths is asked to call 101 quoting log 230 26/02/20 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.