‘Extremely lonely and isolated’ mum killed disabled daughter before taking her own life, coroner rules

A ‘devoted’ single mum who was struggling with her mental health killed her ‘severely disabled’ daughter and then took her own life, a coroner has ruled in an inquest.

The bodies of Martina Karos, 40, and eight-year-old Eleni Edwards were found at their home in Kersal, Salford, Greater Manchester, on Monday, September 23, 2024.

After Eleni failed to go to school, emergency services were called and they found the mum and daughter in the same bedroom of their house on South Radford Street.

Paramedics pronounced them both dead at the scene and pathologists later concluded they died as a result of ‘carbon monoxide toxicity.’

Now, after three days of evidence at inquests at Bolton Coroners’ Court this week, area coroner Peter Sigee has ruled that Ms Karos died by suicide and Eleni was unlawfully killed.

When Eleni was just a few months old, she was diagnosed with a number of conditions that left her ‘severely disabled’, the court heard.

Eleni was blind, non-verbal and had severely restricted mobility meaning her mum was her full -time carer.

Ms Karos’ loved ones said her mental health underwent a ‘rapid decline’ at the end of 2023 when she began expressing suicidal thoughts.

She was treated for symptoms of anxiety and depression for several years leading up to her death.

Due to a perceived risk of ’emotional harm’ as the ‘unintended impacts’ of her mum’s low mood, Eleni was put under a child protection plan in January 2024.

None of the professionals involved with the pair reported any immediate concerns about them around the time of their deaths.

In his conclusion today the coroner said: ‘Ms Karos had deliberately placed herself and her daughter in an environment where they were overcome by the toxic effects of carbon monoxide with the intention and effect of ending both their lives.

‘Ms Karos was the sole parental carer for her eight-year-old daughter, who had profound physical and mental disabilities, which had become apparent within months of her birth.

‘Her daughter was a happy child who was very much loved and very well cared for by Ms Karos throughout her life.

‘Despite a high level of good quality, focused support and care from family, her limited group of friends and professionals (including GP, specialist mental health services, social workers and carers) Ms Karos experienced feelings of extreme loneliness and isolation which overwhelmed her.

‘Ms Karos decided to end her life by suicide.

‘She was concerned as to the care and support that her daughter would receive after her death and so decided to end her daughter’s life at the same time as her own.

‘Ms Karos had continuously denied any thoughts of harming herself or her daughter in the period prior to her death, there was no objective basis to suspect that Ms Karos was contemplating/at increased risk of acting as she did at this time and this tragic incident could not reasonably have been foreseen.’

The coroner said he could not identify any failure in the care and support provided to Ms Karos and her daughter, nor any matter in relation to that care that could have contributed to their deaths.

Ms Karos’ heartbroken mother, Malgorzata Karos, shared a statement which was read out in court on her behalf by a friend.

It read: ‘Martina was always a good child and good person. She was very talented and intelligent.

‘She loved her child more than life itself. Despite the hardships associated with caring for a disabled child, she did everything she could to give Eleni a comfortable life.

‘Eleni was the love of her life. She didn’t want to leave her to anyone, not knowing what her future was.

‘We want their deaths to change the way disabled children, but also their parents, are perceived.

‘A child is better off with happy parents. Time will never heal the wound in the heart of [Martina and Eleni’s] mother and grandmother.

‘May their tragic deaths change some things that will help save others before they make a drastic decision.’

Samaritans are here to listen, day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org for more information.

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