A 63-year-old man, Richard Parks, fatally assaulted his wife, Suratchanee “Lat” Parks, before taking his own life, just weeks after receiving a large tax bill, an inquest in Kent, UK has heard.
The tragic murder-suicide occurred at the couple’s home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, earlier this year.
Mrs. Parks, 53, was found dead on February 23 with multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, in the hallway of their home.
Bloodstains were discovered throughout the house, and it was determined she had been stabbed and strangled following a violent altercation.
Richard Parks, a tree surgeon, had been struggling with his mental health leading up to the incident, though family members described his marriage as “happy and without problems.”
The couple had been planning to retire and move to Thailand next year.
Investigating Officer Jessica Summers revealed that just days before the attack, Mr. Parks made changes to his will and handed important documents to his sister.
Maidstone Coroner Roger Hatch ruled that Mrs. Parks was unlawfully killed and that Mr. Parks took his own life.