Dec 07 - Tragic Details Emerge At Start Of Boschetti’s Steps Inquest
A joint inquest is being held into the deaths of four family members whose bodies were found in a home in Boschetti’s Steps in March, earlier this year.
As details began to emerge at the Coroner’s Court today, it was revealed to Coroner Charles Pitto and a room full of family and loved ones that Spanish national Anarda De La Caridad Perez Friman, and her daughters - four-year-old Amanda Krisoffersen Perez and six-week-old Eve Shannon Perez - died from stab wounds, while her partner John Joseph Shannon, from Liverpool, died from a self-inflicted wound to the neck.
Dr Luan Lunt, forensic scientist at the LCG revealed that the weapons used were eight kitchen knives as well as a bent cork-screw, which was covered with blood from Mr Shannon. A knife sharpener was also found in the corridor at the home.
Home Office Pathologist Dr Nathaniel Cary explained both Ms Perez Friman and Amanda’s wounds were of a similar kind and described them as “self-defensive”. He said the indication of several wounds to their face, neck and limbs may have started in a controlled manner, which then “escalated” to severe stabbings. Dr Cary said Eve died of a stab wound to her heart, and she died shortly. It was described as a “rapid loss of consciousness and death not long afterwards”.
Consultant Paediatric Pathologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Dr Liina Kiho said both girls were normally developed and well looked after, and showed no signs of neglect or malnutrition.
The court heard there was a trail of Mr Shannon’s blood from the shower room, where he is believed to have cut his throat in front of the mirror, gone through the corridor, into the kitchen and then crawled into the living room where he died between a bed and the floor.
Dr Cary said Mr Shannon had suffered various stab wounds to his lower back, but it was the “hesitation” wound to the neck that caused the jugular vein to be punctured that caused his death.
Post-mortem reports indicate there were traces of steroids taken of the type taken by body builders and cannabis or cannabis resin in Mr Shannon’s blood. The abuse of both substances is believed to be linked to mental health issues including irritability, aggression and severe mood swings.
Forensic Clinical Psychologist with the NCA Dr Adrian West will expand on this as the inquest continues tomorrow.
Pics: Top left: Police investigate the crime scene in March. Bottom: The murders left Gibraltar in shock earlier this year - floral tributes and cuddly toys were left by many at the bottom of the steps.
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