A mother-of-four described by her grieving family as "undoubtedly beautiful" died from catastrophic blood loss after sustaining incised wounds to her neck, a coroner's court has been told.
Tragic discovery in Norwich
Tania Williams, aged 49, was pronounced dead at the scene after police were called to an address in Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, Norfolk, on January 17. The preliminary inquest into her death was opened at Norfolk Coroner's Court this week.
Area Coroner Johanna Thompson informed the court that a post-mortem examination had established the medical cause of death as hypovolemic shock. This severe condition results from a critical loss of blood volume, which in Ms Williams' case was attributed to the wounds inflicted upon her neck.
Legal proceedings underway
Raymond Lee Williams, of Dereham Road, has been charged with the murder of his estranged wife. He appeared at Norwich Crown Court last Thursday, January 22, for a preliminary hearing via a prison video-link from HMP Norwich.
During the brief hearing, he spoke only to confirm his personal details. Judge Anthony Bate has scheduled a trial to commence on July 20, with an estimated duration of between seven and ten days. A plea and trial preparation hearing is set for February 27.
Mr Williams made no application for bail and was formally remanded into custody by Judge Bate. The coroner has suspended the inquest proceedings pending the outcome of the criminal trial.
A life remembered
The court heard that Ms Williams, who worked as a security officer, was formally identified by her son on January 21. She was a well-known and active member of the congregation at the parish church in Thorpe St Andrew.
In a heartfelt statement released previously, her family paid tribute to her vibrant spirit and deep faith. They described her as a woman of great belief in Christ, who was passionately devoted to her four children.
"Tania was undoubtedly beautiful, she was honest but mostly was always giving to others," the family's statement read. "Our family wants to continue to honour her and her generous nature even in her passing, which stems from deep rooted faith and kindness."
They added that despite her life being tragically cut short, she lived it fully, leaving behind a treasure trove of beautiful memories for her children and wider family. Her children now wish to honour her passions and fulfil dreams she was not able to accomplish.
