An 80-year-old man killed his wife with a hammer before committing suicide in a quiet village after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, an inquest has revealed. Zena Patricia Hoskins, 77, and David Michael Hoskins, 80, were found dead at their home in Milton, Oxfordshire, in September last year.
Inquest Details
The inquest, held on Wednesday, June 10, heard how Mr. Hoskins inflicted multiple wounds to his wife's head with a hammer before taking his own life. The coroner ruled that Mrs. Hoskins died from unlawful killing, while Mr. Hoskins died by suicide in a tragedy that shocked their community.
Background of the Couple
Married for over 50 years, Mr. Hoskins was a retired engineer, while Mrs. Hoskins had twice served as chair of the local parish council. She had recently stepped down to care for her husband. The court heard there was no prior history of domestic abuse or violence, nor any signs of a struggle or forced entry.
Health Issues
Mr. Hoskins had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia in 2024, which likely contributed to the tragedy. Their family noted a deterioration in his mental state in the months before his death, with memory loss and confusion causing stress in their relationship, including arguments over food.
Discovery of Bodies
The couple were last seen by their three grandsons, who joined them for dinner on September 12 last year. Several days passed with no answer at the door when a delivery person called. Mrs. Hoskins did not respond to messages from her daughter, Alison Wood, who went to the home on September 15 and discovered her father in the garage. Police found Mrs. Hoskins in bed with multiple head wounds. A note in the kitchen, signed by 'D', asked for their cat, Min, to be given a good home.
Coroner's Conclusion
Coroner Darren Michael Salter confirmed it was likely Mrs. Hoskins was asleep when the blows were struck. He stated, 'There were multiple blows, at least four with two hammers. She was likely knocked unconscious and would not have known what was happening.' He added, 'This was a tragic case and a very much unexpected event.'
Mr. Salter said it was probable Mrs. Hoskins was killed on September 12, as she was in bed in her nightclothes and had not taken her morning medication. He concluded Mr. Hoskins likely took his own life late on September 12 or early on September 13.
Additional Findings
Forensic pathologist Dr. Brett Lockyer noted a partial sharp force injury on Mr. Hoskins, likely from a knife. Detective Inspector Alice Broad of Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit said that if Mr. Hoskins had survived, he would almost certainly have faced a murder charge, though diminished responsibility due to dementia could have resulted in a manslaughter verdict. Blood stains were found on his clothing and on two hammers discovered in a drawer.
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