Yahoo News Cause of death revealed in Myra Thompson murder case
An inquest has been opened into the murder of an elderly woman on the Wirral.
Myra Thompson, 90, was found dead at her house on Bolde Way, Spital, on April 23. An investigation found her cause of death was mechanical asphyxia, caused when an object or a physical force prevents breathing.
Jayne Hill, from Norwich Drive in Upton, has been charged with murdering the pensioner, as well as stealing £60 from her on April 12, two weeks before her body was found. She appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on April 30, where it was ruled the 51-year-old would be remanded in custody at HMP Styal Prison before her trial on October 21.
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At Liverpool coroners court today, May 9, coroner Anita Bhardwaj opened and suspended the inquest into Mrs Thompson's death, awaiting the outcome of the crown court proceedings.
She said: "The death of Myra Thompson occurred on April 23 2024. She certainly was pronounced deceased on that date.
"She was a 90-year-old lady who lived on Bolde Way on the Wirral. On April 24, Merseyside Police received a call from the North West Ambulance Service informing of a sudden death at her home address. Police were called, and since that event a charge of murder has been laid against a defendant who is currently in custody, and has appeared on a charge of murder in court.
"In that case I will formally suspend the investigation and await the outcome of the criminal proceedings, and I will register a cause of death of mechanical asphyxia."
The court heard Mrs Thompson, whose maiden name was Rigby, was a retired physicist and a widow, formerly married to Charles, a ship's officer.
Neighbours told the ECHO that Mrs Thompson was a "well respected member of the community" who had formerly worked at Clatterbridge Hospital before her retirement. Eighty-year-old Valerie Morgan said: "She was a very nice person. She was quiet and kept herself to herself. She wasn't out and about very much, but the chap next door took her shopping often.''
Valeria's husband Alfed, 81, said Mrs Thompson "always had a smile on her face, no matter what".
A 48-year-old man from the Wirral area, who was also arrested in connection with Mrs Thompson's death, was released with no further action to be taken in relation to her murder, although he remains under investigation in relation to the £60 theft.
Merseyside Police said the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as officers had previously been investigating the theft.
