Wolverhampton stabbing: Killer suffered 'medical episode' in run-up to knifings
A man who stabbed his sister and mother before turning the knife on himself had suffered a 'medical episode' in the run-up to the bloodbath, an inquest heard.
Melvin James had been in hospital for 'a short period' in Scotland before returning to live with his mother Joyce in Wolverhampton, Black Country Coroners Court was told.
However, on the morning of March 8 James attacked his mother and sister Anne Marie with a knife in Mrs James' flat in Chadwick Close, Merry Hill.
A frantic Mrs James then called police to say her son had 'stabbed her and his sister'.
Police swooped on the address and instructed Mr James to 'drop the knife' before Tasering him.
But this had no effect - so an armed response team was called.
James stabbed himself and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Anne Marie was also found dead in the flat while Mrs James was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Detective Inspector Warren Hines, from West Midlands Police homocide team, said Mr James had been living in Scotland.
But he had recently suffered a 'medical episode' and 'a short period of hospitalisation' and returned home to live with his mother.
Det Insp Hones said: "Melvin was temporarily staying with his mother.
"He had moved to Edinburgh to start a new life and from what we understand he had suffered some medical episode and had a short period of hospitalisation.
"His brother, Leon, had collected him from Scotland and brought him back to stay with his mother for a while."
The court heard that Mr James mother, Joyce James, is currently making a 'very good recovery'.
Det Insp Hines added: "We have very good news that now Mrs James is sitting up on the ward and making a very good recovery.
"She is extremely tearful and upset at the moment but we have explained to her what we will do but we are speaking with the family and medical staff as to how quickly we will get a full account from her."
She is now in a serious but stable condition according to police.
Senior coroner's officer, Stephen Binsley, said: "A 999 call was made on the morning of March 8 by a female at Highfield Court. She said that her son had stabbed her and his sister.
"The police went to the address and saw a male from the inside of the property who had a lot of blood on him and was carrying a knife."
Senior coroner Zafar Siddique adjourned the inquest until May 15 to obtain a 'fuller background' of events.
