January 5, 2012 3.05 pm This story is over 146 months old

Inquest verdict for murder-suicide couple

Verdict: A coroner has given his conclusions into the deaths of the couple found dead on Tiber Road.

A coroner has recorded his verdict at the inquest into a couple found dead at a house on Tiber Road, North Hykeham.

Coroner Stuart Fisher concluded that Katy Winchester (21) was unlawfully killed by her boyfriend, Kurt Tyrell (26), who then committed suicide.

The verdict from the inquest was heard at the Lincoln Cathedral Centre on January 5.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: “As the inquest heard today, our investigation concluded that Kurt Tyrrell killed Katy Winchester and then took his own life.

“This was an extreme set of tragic events that devastated two families and had a profound effect on everyone who knew Katy and Kurt. The wider community was also extremely shocked at the time of their death.”

The couple was found dead at a Lincoln house (pictured) on April 3, 2011. Early post-mortems concluded that Winchester was strangled by Tyrell, who later hung himself.

Winchester was originally from Sleaford and was studying at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Tyrell, who lived on Tiber Road, worked for local electricians, after going to college in Sleaford and Lincoln.

“By all accounts, Katy was a charming confident young woman who was very much-loved by many people and although Kurt had experienced violent episodes in the past, no one could have predicted this extreme and shocking turn of events,” the spokesperson continued.

“Just hours before their death, they both appeared to be the same as any other young couple – affectionate and caring.

“Due to the unusual nature of this incident we have done our best to offer as much support as possible to both families.

“We hope that in some sense, today’s hearing at least explains as much as we will ever know about what took place and we hope it enables everyone concerned to start moving forward with their lives.

“The case also highlights the issue of domestic abuse among young couples. We would urge anyone man or woman who is experiencing any level of violence or controlling behaviour from their partner to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Those who may be at risk from a violent partner or know someone who may be experiencing domestic violence should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101.

Source: Lincolnshire Police | Related Report: BBC Lincolnshire