Inquest ends into deaths at house in Bourne End
Three people were found at a house in the Thames-side village in 2022
An inquest into the deaths of three people at a house in Bourne End near Marlow on the Berkshire-Buckinghamshire border has ended.
A coroner used a Police investigation into what happened to Jeffrey and Susan Farrance and Lance Oldale to reach a conclusion.
Detective Chief Inspector Sally Spencer, of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said:
“Jeffrey and Susan Farrance, aged 67 and 65 respectively, tragically died at their home in Spring Gardens, Bourne End, on 19 April 2022, and our thoughts have been with their loved ones ever since.
“Lance Oldale, aged 51, from Hazlemere, was also sadly found dead at the property; our thoughts are also with his family and friends.
“At around 9.55pm on 19 April 2022, officers attended an address in Spring Gardens following reports of a disturbance.
“Inside, officers found three people deceased and evidence to suggest a serious assault had occurred.
“Despite the lack of a living offender, we have done all we can to investigate the circumstances of the incident on behalf of the coroner.
“On Thursday, the coroner found that Mr Oldale entered Jeffrey and Susan’s home and repeatedly stabbed them in the chest and abdomen, before taking his own life.
“The coroner said that had Mr Oldale been alive, he would have been charged with the Jeffrey and Susan’s murder, but a defence of diminished responsibility would have been likely as he was suffering from a serious mental health illness.
“The coroner ruled that Jeffrey and Susan’s death was unlawful killing and Mr Oldale’s death was suicide.
“I would like to acknowledge the dignity and patience shown by all of those affected by this tragic incident during our investigation and the course of the inquest.
“Lastly, our thoughts remain with the loved ones of all of those involved and I hope that now the inquest has concluded, they have been given the answers they needed and some form of closure.”