Plymouth shooting: Inquests open into deaths of victims
- Published
Five people killed in a mass shooting in Plymouth all died from shotgun wounds, a coroner has heard.
Maxine Davison, 51, Stephen Washington, 59, and Kate Shepherd, 66, were killed in the attack in Keyham last Thursday, along with father and daughter Lee Martyn, 43, and Sophie Martyn, three.
Coroner Ian Arrow opened their inquests on Thursday morning in Plymouth.
In a separate hearing in the afternoon, Mr Arrow will formally open the inquest into the death of gunman Jake Davison.
Mr Arrow heard evidence from senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Steve Hambly, who said all five victims had died from shotgun wounds.
In the 12-minute attack on 12 August, apprentice crane operator Davison, 22, shot his mother Maxine Davison, also known as Maxine Chapman, before killing Sophie and her father Lee.
He then killed Mr Washington in a nearby park before shooting Mrs Shepherd, who later died at Derriford Hospital. He also shot and wounded a 33-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman before turning the gun on himself.
The inquests come after five heart-shaped fireworks were set off at the British Firework Championships in the city on Wednesday to pay tribute to the five victims.
The city fell silent for a minute before the fireworks, followed by a minute of applause to honour the victims.
The event went ahead after organisers had talks with the council and residents.
The competition, held in Plymouth since 1997, will continue on Thursday and see six competitors putting on a 10-minute display.
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