Murdered Cynthia's body found in garage

The 80-year-old was discovered at her Halesowen home on June 29 - two days after she had been reported missing.

A post-mortem concluded Mrs Beamond, of Juliet Road, Howley Grange, died from serious head injuries.

Two people appeared at court last week charged with her murder.

The inquest into her death was opened at Smethwick Council House yesterday (Mon).

Coroner's investigator Bonita Poole said the widow and voluntary charity worker was reported missing by her family after they could not get hold of her on the phone.

She said: "Her grandson went round. The car was missing.

"After further investigations by the police and a search of the property, they found the deceased's body in the garage."

The inquest was adjourned for police to continue their investigations.

Leo Barnes, 32, of Runcorn Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, and Chantelle Moran-Stokes, 24, from the same address, appeared before Dudley Magistrates Court for a short hearing last Thursday.

Barnes is also accused of a second murder at an address in Belsize Park, London.

Moran-Stokes also appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, although Barnes did not. The pair had been arrested on June 29 and charged on July 2.

Judge John Warner adjourned the case for the pair to attend a plea and case management hearing on October 10.

Police have described Mrs Beamond as 'a very independent lady' who had lived on her own.

Mrs Beamond leaves two daughters and a number of grandchildren, who are currently being looked after by specially-trained police officers.

Her death has left her neighbours and the wider community shocked.

Her neighbours said she was a churchgoer and a keen charity worker.