Woman found dead with estranged husband in Leeds home had been stabbed

A woman found dead next to her estranged husband at their home in Leeds died from multiple stab wounds, an inquest has heard.

Police found the bodies of Karen O’Leary, 63, and Dennis O’Leary, 61, in the bedroom of a property in the Oakwood area of the city on 25 April after receiving a report of concern for safety.

The inquest heard that a bloodstained knife was found and there was evidence a fire had been started in the bedroom.

The senior investigating officer, DCI Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire police’s homicide and major inquiry team, said: “We are treating her death as a domestic related murder and are not looking for anyone else in connection with either her or Mr O’Leary’s death.”

The hearing in Wakefield, led by the senior coroner, Kevin McLoughlin, was told the couple had been experiencing difficulties in their marriage.

Karen had left the marital home seven weeks earlier and returned to the house on the day of her death to meet her estranged husband, the inquest heard.

The inquest has been adjourned until a later date.