AN inquest opened yesterday into the death of a teenager from a stab wound during his 18th birthday celebration earlier this month.
Paul Best died in the living room of his family home, in North Crescent, Easington Village, County Durham, where he had been enjoying a party with friends on the night of February 13.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that Paul, the son of a self-employed roofer and builder, died from a single stab wound to the chest.
Yesterday's short hearing, at the Crook office of North Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle, heard brief evidence of identification before it was adjourned pending further inquiries into the death.
Paul's family will now be able to proceed with funeral arrangements.
* An 18-year-old youth from Easington Village is charged with Paul's murder.
David Mitchell, also of North Crescent, was remanded in custody at a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court last Friday, and will make a further appearance on April 18.
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