An investigation into the tragic incident involving a mother and her disabled eight-year-old daughter has revealed that the woman took the life of her child before ending her own. The bodies of Martina Karos, 40, and her daughter Eleni Edwards were discovered by emergency services at their residence in Kersal, Salford, on September 23, 2024.
Concerns arose when Eleni did not show up at school, prompting authorities to enter the home where the distressing discovery was made in a bedroom. The coroner’s court in Bolton conducted simultaneous inquests into the deaths of Martina and Eleni this week.
Following a thorough examination of evidence over three days, the area coroner, Peter Sigee, concluded that Ms. Karos died by suicide, while Eleni was unlawfully killed. The coroner stated that Ms. Karos intentionally exposed herself and her daughter to carbon monoxide, leading to their tragic deaths.
Despite receiving significant support from family, friends, and professionals, Ms. Karos felt extreme loneliness and isolation, ultimately leading to the devastating outcome. The coroner determined that there were no failures in the care provided to the mother and daughter, and no factors in their care contributed to the incident.
Ms. Karos, who was the sole caregiver for her daughter with severe disabilities, had battled anxiety and depression for years and had been taking medication. Her mental health deteriorated towards the end of 2023, and she exhibited suicidal tendencies. Eleni was placed under a child protection plan due to concerns about emotional harm, stemming from her mother’s mental state.
Although Martina’s mental health had shown improvement by late 2024, the tragic events unfolded despite no immediate concerns raised by the professionals involved. The professionals were found not to have played a role in the deaths, as no evident signs indicated the impending tragedy.
If in need of emotional support, individuals can contact the Samaritans helpline at 116 123 or visit their website for assistance.