Streetly murder-suicide case: Wife stabbed to death before husband kills himself
A wife was stabbed in the neck before her husband is thought to have killed himself in a fire, police have revealed.
It came as Amy Barnes's family paid tribute to their 'precious gift', who was found dead following the suspected murder-suicide on Tuesday.
Mrs Barnes, nee Shimell, was discovered at an address in Cofton Park Close, Rednal, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
An initial post mortem has revealed the 32 year-old died from a single stab wound to the neck.
She is believed to have been murdered by her husband James Barnes, aged 30, who later took his own life at an address in Linforth Drive, Streetly. Police say he died from the effects of a fire, at what is believed to have been his parent's home.
A statement released by Amy’s mother, on behalf of her family, said: "Amy was a fantastic, funny, beautiful and caring girl.
"She was known as my precious gift, my first born and the best big sister to her two younger sisters Lucy and Emily.
"Her loss has left a huge hole in not only mine and her father Jez’s heart but to all those that loved Amy which will never be filled.
"We are all so, so proud of her. The truth is Amy was a precious gift to so many people, who smiled with her eyes. Everything you would like to say about a beautiful human being inside and out, Amy was.
"Amy took such pride in her work as a neo-natal nursery nurse and was extremely passionate in her role helping countless new mothers with their new born babies.
"In the last few months of her life Amy had grown into a strong confident woman. The loss of Amy has devastated our close family.
"She was loved so much not only by her parents, sisters, grandparents aunties and cousins but so many of her friends. Shine bright my angel."
Detective Inspector Caroline Corfield, from Force CID, said: "This is a terribly sad case which has left two families grieving for a loved one, trying to come to terms with the circumstances of their death.
"The death of Amy is being investigated as a murder and it is believed that following her murder, her husband James, later took his own life at a family address.
"Officers are supporting both families who have asked to be given time to grieve."
The suspected murder-suicide happened around midnight on Monday.
