5 days ago
Tragedy of pregnant mum killed by her paranoid boyfriend before taking his own life
A much-loved mum was pregnant with her third child when she was killed by her paranoid boyfriend who ended his own life after their relationship broke down.
Mum-of-two Lucy Powell, just 21, was less than 12 weeks pregnant when her 47-year-old partner Gregory Duhamel smothered her to death at their home in Stechford.
Police found the "fabulous mum" and Duhamel unresponsive at their home in Swancote Road on January 27, 2022.
READ MORE: 'Fabulous' mum was pregnant when boyfriend smothered her to death before taking his own life
Officers had forced their way into the property after Lucy's dad, Robert, raised the alarm when his daughter failed to pick up her phone or answer the door.
The couple's bodies were found in their bedroom. Lucy had red marks around her neck.
A post-mortem examination later confirmed Lucy had died by 'smothering'; Duhamel by hanging.
And this week an inquest into Lucy's death confirmed what her family had long feared: her life was ended by Duhamel who had fallen into a jealous rage after he suspected her of being unfaithful.
Shortly before his death, paranoid Duhamel had left a note on the couple's staircase which made it clear he was "angry with Lucy".
Area coroner Ms Brown said it indicated an intention to end his life and that Lucy, who he believed was cheating on him, was "also going to die".
But Det Chief Insp Laura Harrison of West Midlands Police said his claims of infidelity were unfounded.
However it was clear the couple's relationship had broken down after speaking to Lucy's colleagues and their children's nursery teachers, she said.
Lucy, who leaves behind two children who she "adored", was last seen the day before her body was discovered.
CCTV captured her dropping off her children at nursery and later leaving work.
Duhamel was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of the 27th when he made a journey in a Volkswagen before later dropping off their children at nursery.
Ms Harrison said there was enough evidence, had he survived, to pursue a murder charge against Duhamel after a police probe found no indication of third-party involvement.
Area coroner Ms Brown recorded Lucy's death "as a result of an unlawful killing" by smothering.
"My view is, given the note, he was extremely angry with her and he did not intend for her to be around to raise his children," she said.
"Lucy had told a friend that her relationship was over and Mr Duhamel did not accept this easily."
Ms Brown said it was "very clear" Duhamel "intended" the hard-working mum's death.
In a touching tribute, her family said: "Lucy was a kind, caring beautiful person inside and out and always put a smile on everyone's face.
"She was a brilliant, loving mother to her two young children.
"She was taken from us way too soon and nothing will ever fill the heart-breaking hole in our hearts. Rest in peace our special girl.
"Loved by all, Lucy will be missed so much."
