Former Royal Marine and wife found dead in suspected 'murder-suicide' at seaside home as police refer themselves to watchdog
A former Royal Marine and his wife were found dead at their seaside home from gunshot wounds in a suspected murder-suicide.
An inquest was opened today into the deaths of retired commando John Perkins, 66, and his 67-year-old wife Kathryn.
A family member went to their home in Exmouth, Devon, on May 7 after they did not hear from either party, area coroner Alison Longhorn said.
Mr Perkins, who was born in Kingston upon Thames, was located in the front entrance of the property with a significant head injury, the coroner added.
The emergency services were called but Mr Perkins was declared deceased and his cause of death was a shotgun wound to the head.
The coroner also opened an inquest into the death of retired nurse Mrs Perkins who was found on the same evening.
On that day Mrs Perkins met a family member in Exmouth but they could not contact the couple later that day, the coroner said.
Mrs Perkins, born in Sheffield, was found in the property and had suffered a shotgun wound to her chest.
Devon and Cornwall police said they were called to the house at 6.30pm following concern for the welfare of the couple.
Detective Inspector Neil Lloyd said at the time: 'This is a very sad incident and we are supporting the next of kin of the people who have died. We are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident.'
The area coroner adjourned the hearing and a full inquest will be held at a later date.
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