A mother uploaded a haunting final video to YouTube before setting fire to her home, resulting in the deaths of herself and her eight-year-old daughter, an inquest has heard.
Danielle Parkinson, who had bipolar disorder and depression, recorded a 19-minute video in which she apologised to friends and family, saying: 'I'm sorry.' The video was played at Bradford Coroner's Court as part of the inquest into the deaths, which occurred in July 2024 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.
In the video, Parkinson said: 'I've come to the conclusion that I just can't do it. I want to die who I am, a broken lost soul.' She also expressed concerns about mental health support, stating: 'There needs to be so much help with mental health.'
The fire, set in the hallway of the family home, also injured Parkinson's other child, who survived. A post-mortem examination revealed that Iliza suffered burns and stab wounds, including a 1cm by 0.5cm superficial stab wound to her chest.
Detective Sergeant Cawthorne of West Yorkshire Police told the court that a passer-by had spotted the fire and heard screams from an upstairs window. Police concluded that there was no third-party involvement and that Parkinson was responsible for the fire.
The inquest also heard that Iliza had behavioural concerns at school and had previously asked staff how she could kill herself. Parkinson's mother and stepfather had moved out of the house on the day of the fire.
