A devoted husband killed his wife and then took his own life after struggling to cope with her worsening symptoms of Huntington's disease, a coroner has concluded.
A Tragic Discovery on New Year's Eve
The bodies of Michael Newton, 76, and Heather Newton, 70, were discovered at their home on Anthony's Avenue in Poole, Dorset, at 11.35am on December 31 last year. Dorset Police attended the scene following a welfare concern.
An inquest in Bournemouth heard that Mrs Newton died from blunt impact head injuries and compression of the neck. Home Office forensic pathologist Dr Russell Delaney said the head wounds were consistent with an instrument like a claw hammer.
Mr Newton's cause of death was suspension by a ligature. Coroner Brendan Allen concluded he took his own life.
The Heartbreaking Struggle with Huntington's
The hearing was told that Huntington's disease, an inherited degenerative brain disorder, ran in Heather Newton's family. Her father and sister, Patricia, had both died from the condition.
Her brother, Christopher Wadman, said in a statement that her symptoms had deteriorated noticeably during a Christmas visit. He described jerky movements (chorea), weight loss, slurred speech, and increased irritability.
"During this period of time where Heather’s Huntington’s had developed, Michael had been brilliant to her with his support and helping her get through it," Mr Wadman stated. He added that Heather had been "in denial" about her condition, which made management difficult.
Dr Simon Wadman, a cousin, spoke to Michael Newton on Boxing Day. The retired salesman confided that the previous 'three or four weeks had been very difficult' and he felt he was 'walking on egg shells'.
Coroner's Conclusions and a Family's Shock
Coroner Brendan Allen recorded a conclusion of unlawful killing for Heather Newton and suicide for Michael Newton. He stated that Mrs Newton was killed on the afternoon of December 27, before her husband ended his own life.
"Heather Newton and Michael Newton were a happily married couple who were devoted to each other, comfortable in each other’s company and supportive of each other," the coroner said.
Detective Inspector Ian Allen of Dorset Police confirmed a handwritten note from Mr Newton was found, supporting the hypothesis that he was struggling to cope with his wife's deteriorating health.
The coroner emphasised that the news of their deaths was "completely unexpected" to the family, who had seen Michael as a pillar of support. Dr Delaney's analysis later confirmed long-standing brain changes consistent with Huntington's disease in Heather Newton.
