The family of a renowned geologist arrested on suspicion of his wife's murder has revealed the couple had planned to die together in a suicide pact. William and Angela Stanton, aged 79 and 74, had intended to take their own lives because of his severe illness and her inability to continue caring for him.
Angela Stanton was found suffocated at the couple's home in the Somerset village of Westbury-sub-Mendip. William Stanton, who has bone cancer, was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released on bail.
In a statement, the couple's daughters, Susan, 44, and Jennifer, 48, said the strain on their mother of caring for their father had become 'excessive'. They added: 'They had enjoyed 52 years of very happy marriage together and did not want to live separate, lonely existences, so decided to commit suicide together. Both are atheists. Unfortunately the attempt was only partly successful and her husband lives on, cared for by his daughters.'
William Stanton is a leading expert on the Mendip Hills, its caves and underground water systems.
