Couple found dead at home in Cardiff had gunshot wounds

A married couple found dead at a home in Wales had gunshot wounds, a coroner’s court has heard.

The bodies of Stephen, 74, and Christine Jefferies, 72, were discovered by their daughter at a house in Morfa Crescent in the Trowbridge area of Cardiff at about 2.50pm on 5 October.

South Wales Police previously reported a rifle had been recovered from the property and a dog was also found dead at the address.

At the time, police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Coroner Graeme Hughes opened inquests into the pensioners’ deaths at South Wales Coroner’s Court in Pontypridd on Wednesday.

The hearing was told that the couple had been found by their daughter, who had let herself into the home after there had been no reply at the door.

Post-mortem examinations recorded their provisional causes of death as both having a gunshot wound to the temple.

The coroner said he believed the deaths to be unnatural.

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Opening Mrs Jefferies’ inquest, he said: “I’m mandated to continue the investigation into the circumstances around Mrs Jefferies’ death and conclude that by way of inquest.

“While those matters are progressing it remains for me to pass on my condolences to Mrs Jefferies’ family.”

Mr Hughes described the situation regarding Mr Jefferies as “similar” and reiterated his condolences to the family.

He adjourned the proceedings, with the next hearings expected to take place in the new year.