Inquest into death of Sunderland mum and son
Inquest dates have been set for a mum and her son who were found dead in their home.
Northumbria Police has said it is handling the death of Janice Woolford, 68, and Michael Woolford, 44, as a murder-suicide after their bodies were found at an address Satley Gardens in Tunstall, Sunderland.
Police officers were called to the house shortly after 10am on Wednesday, February 26, after reports of concern for a woman, with paramedics pronouncing both mother and son dead at the scene.
The force later confirmed Ms Woolford had suffered injuries consistent with stabbing.
Her son had not suffered any visible injuries, but police believe he had taken a large quantity of drugs.
Inquiries are continuing, but detectives have said they are treating the mother’s death as a murder and do not believe any third party was involved.
They have said they are conducting an investigation, with details to be passed on to the coroner once that has concluded.
On Tuesday, March 10, assistant coroner David Place will open an inquest into Janice Woolford’s death at 10am at Sunderland Civic Centre.
It will be followed 10 minutes later with the opening hearing of her son.
Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb, the senior investigating officer of the case, has previously said: “This is a tragic case that has obviously had a devastating impact on Janice and Michael’s family.”
Scores of tributes have been paid to Janice Woolford following her sudden death.