Martina Karos, 40, and her daughter Eleni Edwards, 8, were both found dead in their home in Salford – more details about the tragedy have been revealed
A 40-year-old mum and her eight year old daughter were both tragically found dead next to each other at their home.
Police believe mum Martina Karos and her daughter Eleni Edwards died in a suspected murder-suicide and more details have been heard about the tragedy. Martina, brought up in Rome and of Italian and Greek descent, had lived in Salford for several years and had studied at the local university. A “rapid review of child safeguarding practice” was ordered following the tragic death of the mother and her “severely disabled” daughter, in September 2024 – an investigation into their deaths is ongoing.
A pre-inquest hearing at Bolton Coroner’s Court, on Thursday, was told a full inquest, provisionally set for January 12, 2026, will look at events from the 18 months prior to the deaths. This period saw a “decline” in Martina’s mental health.
Soon after the deaths, Greater Manchester Police shared how detectives were investigating the theory that the pair died having been exposed to gas. Following her death, friends revealed Martina had struggles with mental illness as she cared for her daughter.
Martina’s family and friends lodged concerns that “problems started” for Martin around 16-18 months before her death, and that Martina had been affected by the “sheer volume of carers that attended” the home to help with Eleni’s needs. They told the coroner: “We feel that had an impact on Martina’s mental health.”
The coroner agreed that a list of carers from the agency charged with caring responsibilities for Eleni, including dates and times of visits, should be provided to the court ahead of the final inquest hearing.
Salford council told the Manchester Evening News, at the time, that Martina and Eleni were provided with a “range of support services”, but did not disclose further details. Those who knew her raised concerns about the level of support offered.
Yesterday, the court heard how Salford City Council has been carrying out a “rapid review” of its child safeguarding practice, run by the authority’s social services.
The report is set to be finalised by the end of July, Manchester West area coroner Peter Sigee was told by the legal representatives for the town hall. Eleni’s father, Martina’s mother, and Eleni’s second grandmother attended the hearing.
Legal representatives from Greater Manchester Mental Health Service (GMMH), Salford City Council, and the Medical Defence Union were also present in court, along with a detective chief inspector from Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
The coroner determined that a jury will not be called for the final inquest hearings, with the witnesses and evidence being judged by a coroner alone. He also said that the upcoming hearings will treat Martina and Eleni’s death jointly, as they were “so intertwined” with similar organisations involved.
The coroner said: “In Eleni’s inquest, consideration will likely be given to Martina’s mental health in the period leading up to these deaths.” The next pre-inquest meeting has been set for October 28.
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