Women found dead in their home may have been undiscovered for weeks, inquest hears
Mystery surrounds the deaths of a mother and daughter who were discovered at their home in Staffordshire, an inquest heard.
Patricia Glaze and Susan Martin were both found with fractures but a police investigation has revealed there was no break-in. Officers also believe there is no one else involved in their deaths.
It is believed they could have been dead for weeks before their bodies were discovered in St Giles Road, Burntwood, on April 19 this year.
The hearing at Cannock Coroner's Court was told the pair both had alcohol issues and were found lying next to each other in a room.
Susan, aged 49, had suffered a broken nose and liver disease but despite a pathologist examination they were unable to give a cause of death.
Patricia, 71, had three fractured ribs, signs of heart disease and suffered from internal bleeding of the abdomen.
It is not known how they suffered their injuries. A police investigation was launched and it is believed Susan died first.
Police had first visited the address on April 7 but following inquiries it was believed they may have gone on holiday.
Following further family concerns, they returned to the address and made the discovery on April 19.
As part of the investigation, carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out along with a third party being involved in the deaths.
The inquest was told they were both heavy drinkers but instead of going out they had started to get alcohol taken to them at home.
The last call made from Susan's phone was on March 18. It was said at the hearing that Patricia had been seen acting strangely immediately prior to her death.
DS Kiley Round, from Staffordshire Police, said: "It is a very unusual set of circumstances, various avenues were explored but it was a very difficult investigation."
He said it could not be ruled out they had assaulted each other. It could also be that their injuries had been as a result of falls.
South Staffordshire coroner Andrew Haigh recorded open verdicts on both of the women.
"When found it was apparent they had been dead for some time," he said.
"The sequence is very difficult to determine. I do think it is likely Susan has died before Patricia and that Patricia has joined Susan in bed.
"Overall, it is very difficult to reach conclusions about these deaths. Despite investigations that have taken place."
