Geraldine Newman Murder: West Yorkshire Police Confirm Identity Of Mother And Two Children Found Dead

Police Reveal How Mother And Children Found Dead At Home Died
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The identities of a mother and her two children who were found murdered at their home near Leeds have been officially confirmed.

Geraldine Newman, 51, was found dead at her home in the village of Allerton Bywater on Tuesday morning along with her son Shane, six, and her 11-year-old daughter Shannon.

West Yorkshire Police said it was a "domestic-related incident".

The force also issued pictures of the three. Police said the death of a man found at cliffs in Anglesey in Wales was related to the case. He has not yet been identified.

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Gerald Newman and her children Shannon and Shane

Post-mortem examinations showed that Mrs Newman died from head injuries and the two children each died from stab wounds.

Detective Chief Inspector Warren Stevenson, from West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "While our investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the deaths is ongoing, we can say that this appears to have been a domestic-related incident and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.

He added: "We appreciate that the shocking nature of this incident has impacted on the wider community and local officers will continue to provide suitable reassurance."

Helen Gilroy, Headteacher at St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School said: "The students and Staff are deeply saddened by the news of Shannon’s death.

"Shannon was a bright, intelligent, enthusiastic, hardworking and caring student. Shannon was very popular among her peers and will be greatly missed by all members of our community."

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Police outside the crime scene

Sarah Spencer, Head teacher at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary in Castleford said: "Shane was a caring, lovable young boy, full of fun, who enjoyed school and made many friends.

"He will be missed by all here at St Joseph's school and the whole of this close community. Prayers have been said in assembly and in local churches."

Mrs Newman described the children as "the light of my life" on her LinkedIn profile.

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People by the crime scene

Sean Firth, 44, and his 11-year-old daughter Chloe live in a building across the road from the deceased children's house.

In tears, Chloe described how she played outside in the estate with Shannon.

She said: "I just feel really upset and really shocked. I never thought anything like this would really happen. They were really bubbly and nice and kind. She was just my friend."