Kerry Cast 'had been assaulted' before mystery death, inquest hears
A woman whose death sparked a major police investigation had been assaulted before she died, it was revealed at an inquest.
Kerry Cast was found dead at her home on July 1 in what Cannock Coroner's Court was told was 'highly suspicious circumstances'.
Staffordshire Police's efforts to unravel the mystery of 40-year-old Mrs Cast's death concluded earlier this year that she had died of 'complications from a medical issue – natural causes'.
But the county's senior coroner Andrew Haigh this week recorded an open conclusion into Mrs Cast's death, revealing she had suffered a head injury from an assault which 'potentially contributed' to her death.
However, the coroner said the 'extent of its contribution to [her] death is not clear' and 'the main factor in the death was disease caused by chronic alcohol excess'.
The medical cause of death given to the court was: "Complications of longstanding alcohol misuse (head injury potentially contributing)."
Mrs Cast's death, five days before her 41st birthday, was initially treated as unexplained as police tried to get to grips with the mystery of the tragedy.
Her mother Kathy Weaver last saw the former Cannock Chase High School pupil three days before she was discovered dead.
Mrs Cast lived alone at home in Herondale, Hednesford – and was only found after two neighbours told police they were concerned about her apparent absence.
Post mortem results returned inconclusive, and officers launched repeated appeals for information, including CCTV images of potential witnesses and also of Mrs Cast herself.
Mrs Weaver also issued a public plea for answers over her daughter's death, but to no avail.
In October, Staffordshire Police announced its investigation had concluded.
A statement issued by the force at the time said: “A detailed and complex investigation commenced to understand the circumstances surrounding her death.
“All of the medical evidence is now available and it has been established that the cause of death was complications from a medical issue – natural causes.
"The investigation is now closed. Kerry’s family have been updated with this information and continue to receive support from officers.”
