A coroner has described a case of domestic violence that ended in a murder suicide as being "of a particularly shocking nature." Robert Jobson, 84, fatally shot his wife Rosemary, 69, outside their home in Thornton Curtis, North Lincolnshire, before taking his own life.
A Deadly Act of Jealousy
The inquest at Cleethorpes Town Hall heard that Jobson, who ran a shooting school with his wife, acted out of jealousy. He believed Rosemary was having an affair with a mutual friend, Peter Hrynyk, whom she had been on holiday with and was staying with at the time. Hrynyk told the hearing they were only friends.
On July 14, 2023, Rosemary returned to the marital home to collect clothes. As she got out of a car, Jobson approached and shot her twice. A post-mortem examination found she died from gunshot wounds to her head and neck. Jobson was later found dead in a shed at the side of the property from a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to his neck.
A History of Violence and Missed Warnings
The tragedy followed clear warning signs. Rosemary Jobson had contacted police on June 20, 2023, stating she was divorcing her husband and was concerned about guns in the house. Firearms were removed three days later.
Furthermore, Humberside Police arrested Robert Jobson on July 8, 2023, after Rosemary reported he had assaulted her. He was released on conditional bail the next day with orders not to contact her. The inquest heard Jobson had mental health issues and underwent a psychiatric assessment following that arrest.
Coroner's Verdict and Family's Heartbreak
Coroner Jayne Wilkes concluded that Rosemary died as a result of an unlawful killing. "On the balance of probabilities, Rose died from the deliberate and intentional act of her husband... this was an unlawful killing," she said, adding that there was evidence of premeditation.
In a statement, Rosemary's daughter, Paula O'Donnell, said she had urged her mother to leave. "It has left a massive hole in my heart forever. I miss her so much," she said. "She was the most thoughtful person I know, always helping others, no matter what."
The couple, who had met while hunting and riding, were both accomplished shooters who had represented England in competitions.
