A mother killed her disabled son and then herself after learning she had only days to live due to terminal cancer.
Shirley overdosed on her prescription drugs and gave a fatal dose to her son. A relative found them in Stephen’s room at their home in Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough. Investigators found a lack of emotional support for Shirley after her cancer diagnosis.
Shirley likely felt helpless and saw no options for her son’s care. At 67, she cared for Stephen, who had mental and physical disabilities. These disabilities stemmed from an accident at age 11 that caused a severe brain injury.
The report described Shirley as a “loving” mom with a close, supportive family. Doctors diagnosed her with stage three cancer in July 2021 and said it was incurable one month later.
Her lung cancer spread rapidly, reaching her brain, spine, and pelvis by October. Plans were made for her palliative care at home. Agencies knew she worried about her son, but they saw no sign she would end their lives.
Two days after leaving the hospital, tragedy struck, and her sister called the police. Shirley’s husband, Paul, died of cancer in 2019, near the anniversary of his death.
An independent chair led a DHR, or review, started by Middlesbrough Community Safety Partnership. The report is on Middlesbrough Council’s website and uses the names “June and John.” It states that “June loved her son throughout his life” and always put his needs first. Shirley seemed emotionally unstable earlier, showing distress when discussing her worsening health. The report mentions missed chances in the hospital where staff could have assessed her state and properly communicated with social services.
Police investigated the deaths, and the Teesside Coroner received the findings. The inquest found Stephen died from a drug overdose, and Shirley died from cancer and a drug overdose. Derrick Laing, who led the review, said agencies were professional and provided a caring setting but missed Shirley’s urgent needs and the severity caused by her cancer.
The report notes June cared for John for over 40 years, and there were no signs of abuse. Agencies likely didn’t consider risk but missed a chance to address carer needs and informed planning, including family and agencies working together for John’s future.
The report said nothing indicated her intent and states this was a very distressing case. The panel recognized the effect on family and workers who worked with them both.