A devoted mother who was discovered deceased in her residence alongside her disabled eight-year-old child had concerns about her daughter being taken away, as revealed during a coroner’s court proceeding. Police found the bodies of Martina Karos, 42, and her profoundly disabled daughter, Eleni Edwards, at their Salford home. The authorities were notified when Eleni did not attend her specialized school on September 23, 2024.
The inquest revealed that Ms. Karos had been battling depression and feelings of isolation leading up to the tragic event. Law enforcement confirmed that no other individuals were being sought in connection with the deaths.
During the proceedings at Bolton Coroner’s Court, Ms. Karos’s close friend, Kirree Marsland, testified that Ms. Karos had expressed thoughts of her life not being worthwhile and struggling with depression. Ms. Marsland had reported to social services twice about Ms. Karos’s mental state.
Originally from Lublin, Poland, Ms. Karos later moved to Italy as a child before settling in England in 2003. Despite being informed she could not conceive, she was elated to discover her pregnancy with Eleni after a normal pregnancy and birth in June 2016. However, it became apparent that Eleni was severely disabled, lacking sight, verbal communication, and mobility.
Ms. Karos’s mother, Malgorzata Karos, testified that despite Eleni’s complex needs, her granddaughter remained joyful. Ms. Karos was described as a loving and dedicated mother, but she began expressing feelings of being trapped and lonely in her own home a year before the tragedy.
Struggling with the demands of caring for her disabled child, Ms. Karos became socially isolated despite offered support from local services. She was reluctant to leave Eleni with changing caregivers, leading to further isolation. Following the deaths, it was discovered that Ms. Karos had not been adhering to her prescribed medication and had expressed fears of losing her daughter to social services.
Friends described Ms. Karos as positive and sociable, but the increasing physical demands of caring for Eleni made social interactions challenging. Concerns about Ms. Karos’s mental health were raised to social services, and despite efforts to provide support through a child protection plan, Ms. Karos felt unsupported and isolated.
Although respite care was arranged for Eleni to give Ms. Karos a break, the timing did not align well for socializing opportunities, exacerbating Ms. Karos’s isolation. The inquest proceedings have been adjourned until the next session.