Mum-of-six dies in suspected murder-suicide after ex-husband found dead at house

08 April 2024 , 09:19

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Mum-of-six Vicala Gheorge was rushed to hospital but tragically died a short time later (Image: West Midlands Police / SWNS)

A mum-of-six died after being attacked - believed to be by her ex-husband - in an apparent murder-suicide, police say.

Vicala Gheorghe was rushed to hospital after being found critically injured at the house in Coventry early on Friday morning. The 49-year-old was tragically pronounced dead a short time later.

A 52-year-old man, who police have since confirmed was her former husband Marian, was also found dead at the scene. Now detectives say they believe he attacked Mrs Gheorge before taking his own life.

An investigation has now been launched into the tragic incident, with forensic post-mortem examinations to be carried out in the coming days. Police said they "strongly believe" Marian injured Vicala and then himself.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "The pair were former partners and forensic post-mortems will take place next week to establish the causes of death. We're continuing our enquiries into exactly what happened but at this stage, we strongly believe Marian injured Vicala and then himself.

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Marian's body was found at the house in Coventry, as police believe he attacked Vicala then took his own life (Joseph Walshe / SWNS)

"We're offering support to family members during this distressing time. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident at this stage."

Six rescue crews, including three ambulances, dashed to the property after receiving an emergency call last Friday morning. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a stabbing on Caludon Road in Coventry at 5.30am.

"Three ambulances, two paramedic officers, and the Air Ambulance Critical Care Car were sent to the scene where, on arrival, crews found two patients: a man and a woman. The man, who was in a critical condition, was receiving basic life support from police colleagues before ambulance staff took over and immediately began administering advanced life support.

"Sadly, he could not be saved and was confirmed dead at the scene. The female patient, who had suffered serious injuries, received advanced trauma care from medics before being conveyed on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

"However, shortly after arrival at hospital, sadly it became clear she could not be saved and was confirmed deceased."

• Every week in the UK, two women are murdered by a partner or ex-partner. For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk. For 24-hour support, please contact Samaritans on 116 123.

Susie Beever