Introduction

A devastating case involving the deaths of a married couple in Portsmouth has been linked to the husband’s deteriorating mental health, which reportedly worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to details shared in a recent pre-inquest hearing, the incident is being treated as a suspected murder-suicide.

Ruth Stone-Houghton, 60, was found dead with severe head injuries at the couple’s home in Holcot Lane on 14 September 2022. Her husband, Chris Stone-Houghton, 66, was found hanged elsewhere in the property. The couple’s deaths have deeply shaken the local community and raised urgent questions about the effectiveness of mental health care and firearms licensing procedures.

At a pre-inquest review held in Winchester, Assistant Coroner Rachel Spearing described a “sudden, rapid and critical deterioration” in Mr. Stone-Houghton’s mental wellbeing in the months preceding the tragedy. His decline reportedly began around Christmas 2021 and included signs of severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and growing paranoia. Despite being referred for professional help by concerned family members in April 2022, Mr. Stone-Houghton appeared to lack full awareness of his condition.

He remained under the care of a community mental health team and was in contact with them until just two days before the incident. The coroner confirmed that although his mental health played a significant role, there was no evidence of domestic abuse in the relationship.

One of the key issues to be examined during the full inquest, scheduled for December in Portsmouth, is the handling of Mr. Stone-Houghton’s firearms licence. While a firearm was not involved in the incident, his licence was under review by police at the time. The coroner indicated that the review process, including how the couple’s GP responded to police requests for medical information, will be scrutinised.

The emergency services were alerted to the couple’s home where Mrs. Stone-Houghton was discovered in the master bedroom, and her husband was found elsewhere in the house. The circumstances suggest a tragic case of murder-suicide, although the precise motive remains under formal investigation.

The tragedy has sparked widespread concern about the support systems in place for those experiencing severe mental health issues, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Representatives from two NHS trusts involved in Mr. Stone-Houghton’s care attended the pre-inquest hearing, where the coroner outlined the scope of the full inquest, ensuring all relevant evidence will be reviewed.

In a heartfelt statement issued by the family, Chris and Ruth were remembered as loving parents and cherished members of the community. “They were both known for their positivity and lovable sense of humour,” the statement said. “Not only were Chris and Ruth amazing parents to their two children—anyone who knew them will know how hard they worked in so many parts of their lives.”

The full inquest, set to begin on 8 December and expected to last up to two weeks, will delve deeper into the sequence of events leading up to the deaths. Particular attention will be paid to the adequacy of Mr. Stone-Houghton’s mental health treatment, the role of healthcare professionals, and the administrative process concerning his firearms licence.

This case stands as a sobering reminder of the long-term psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need for stronger, more responsive mental health services. It also highlights the importance of clear communication and timely decision-making when public safety is at stake.

As the inquest approaches, families, professionals, and the wider public look to it not only for answers but for lessons that might help prevent such tragedies in the future.