Three sisters who drowned off Brighton beach intentionally took their own lives, a coroner has ruled. Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, who lived in Luton, were recovered from the sea on May 13 but could not be revived.
Coroner's verdict
Senior Coroner Penelope Schofield determined the cause of death was drowning, recording a verdict that the women intentionally took their own lives. She said: "I have to consider why they entered the water in the hours of darkness when they couldn't swim. The sisters deliberately entered the water with the intent to end their lives."
An examination of Christina's laptop by investigating officers revealed 179 mentions of suicide, the inquest was told. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore said: "All the references were to London and the Thames."
Family's tribute
Their father, Joseph Jacobsen, said: "There are no words that can adequately express the loss of a child. It's a heartbreak beyond anything I could imagine. Each had their own special place in my heart. They shared a special bond as sisters. I find some comfort in my Christian faith. They were my daughters - they were loved and they mattered. I'm left with memories that I will have for the rest of my life."
Mr Jacobsen informed officers that his daughters were unable to swim, Brighton Coroners Court was told during the hearing.
Investigation details
Det Ch Insp Cullimore said: "On Wednesday, May 13, two calls were received reporting bodies could be seen in the sea in Brighton. One body appeared lifeless and had been washed up on the shore. It was windy and the sea was particularly rough."
Investigating officers analysed thousands of hours of CCTV footage to reconstruct the siblings' final movements, discovering they had traveled from London to Brighton in a hired cab. Camera footage captured the final moments of the women along the seafront and close to the pier, showing one using a mobile phone and another using a flashlight.
While family members did not attend the proceedings in person, several observed the inquest remotely via video link.
