AN inquest into the double death of a married couple from County Durham was opened yesterday.
Devoted grandfather Derek Wood, 60, of Stephenson Street, Darlington, stabbed his wife Margaret to death before turning the kitchen knife on himself.
Mrs Wood, 57, was found dead in the kitchen of the couple's home.
Mr Wood was in the backyard and had died from a combination of stab wounds and a 20ft fall from an attic window.
Their identities were confirmed at the coroner's court, sitting in Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court, and the inquest opened so the couple's family could proceed with funeral arrangements.
No other details were given and the hearing was adjourned.
The Woods left three children: Dawn, 26, Darren, 23, and Neil, 25, and two grandchildren.
Mystery still surrounds what drove Mr Wood, who had been married to Margaret for 27 years, to kill her and then himself.
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