Inquest set to open into suspected murder-suicide mum and son found dead in Sunderland house

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.

Officers were called to the house shortly after 10am on Wednesday, February 26, after reports of concern for a woman, with paramedics pronouncing both dead at the scene.

The force later confirmed Ms Woolford had suffered injuries consistent with stabbing, while her son had not suffered any visible injuries, but believes 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 Ms 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 Ms Woolford following her sudden death.