Overview
- Area coroner Patricia Morgan recorded unlawful killing for Christine Jefferies and suicide for her husband, finding he shot his wife and the family dog before killing himself.
- Their daughter, Martine Stecker, discovered the bodies at the Trowbridge home on October 5, 2024, after which armed officers recovered a rifle fitted with a sound moderator.
- Post-mortem examinations found gunshot wounds to the right temple in both victims, with toxicology showing prescription medication in Mrs Jefferies’ system and no alcohol in either.
- Diaries noted Mr Jefferies’ entries such as “Strange head today” and Mrs Jefferies’ observation “Hubby not quite right this evening,” with police citing the writings as pertinent to his state of mind.
- Evidence presented to the inquest included Mr Jefferies’ past treatment for depression, long-term firearm ownership, and about £35,000 of debt disclosed after the deaths.