A husband strangled, stabbed, and bludgeoned his wife to death before taking his own life in a horrific murder-suicide, an inquest heard.
Richard Parks, 63, and wife Suratchanee ‘Lat’ Parks, 53, were discovered inside their home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Tree surgeon Parks was found with a knife in his hand and horrific neck stab wounds, according to testimony given during an inquest.
According to Kent Online, his wife, a nail salon employee, was found in the bathtub with neck injuries that seemed to be from strangulation.
Lat had also been beaten with a hammer and had many knife wounds.
Pathologist Dr. Virginia Fitzpatrick-Swallow testified in court that she may have attempted to fend off her husband based on additional injuries.
The couple, who eventually migrated to the UK, met in Thailand, where Lat already had a son.
The pair had been characterised as “happy and without problems” in their marriage, but Parks had recently developed anxiety following the receipt of a sizable tax bill from HMRC.
It was also reported that he had been “struggling with his mental health” and had been forced to postpone the transfer to Thailand.
Family members had visited the three-story house on February 23 after becoming worried about the couple’s well-being.
When neighbours found Parks and Lat dead inside, they heard “hysterical” screaming.
Bloodstains were discovered by the police on the stairs, in the living room, kitchen, and hallway.
Along with a chainsaw and pruning saw in the bathroom, there was also a red folder with a huge amount of cash on the floor.
According to investigating officer Detective Constable Jessica Summers, police came to the conclusion that no outside parties were involved.
Coroner Roger Hatch declared that her husband had committed suicide and that Lat had been unlawfully killed.
Robert Parks, the brother of the deceased, stated: “This is a very sad situation.” Who knows exactly what transpired, only those two will ever know.
“They loved each other very much and he was looking forward to going to Thailand – it’s just terribly sad for both families.”
