Cause of deaths confirmed for victims of Nottingham attacks
All three people who died in the attacks in Nottingham in June were stabbed in the chest, as the cause of deaths was confirmed at the opening of the inquests into their deaths.
University of Nottingham students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19, suffered knife wounds to the chest and abdomen, while school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, was stabbed in the chest alone.
Post-mortem examination results were read out during the six-minute hearing at Nottingham Coroner's Court.
The hearing also heard the two students were attacked while walking in Ilkeston Road in the early hours of Thursday 13 June, and Mr Coates was attacked around an hour later on Magdala Road.
No family members of the victims were present at the hearing.
Opening the inquests, Mairin Casey, senior coroner for Nottinghamshire, at Nottingham Coroner’s Court said that Mr Coates had left home to attend his place of work when he was killed.
She told the hearing; "When any individual dies of unnatural causes, as has happened in this case, an inquest will always be opened.
"As the deaths of these three people occurred close in time on the same day and arising from a chain of events that is linked to one individual, it is right that these inquests should be opened at the same time.
"The circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths are well known.
"Final post-mortem reports are awaited.
"The police investigation continues and the matter will be progressed through the criminal courts. This matter is now adjourned."
Valdo Calocane, 31, is charged with three counts of murder, as well as attempting to murder three other people when a van was allegedly driven at pedestrians.
He is expected to enter pleas in September, with a provisional trial date set for January 12th 2024.
At his last appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on 20 June, he was remanded into custody to appear again for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 25 September.
In the days after the attacks, thousands of people attended vigils in the city in memory of the victims, where their families paid emotional tributes to them.
The family of Mr Webber, a history student, described their "complete devastation" at the “senseless murder of our son”, saying he was a “beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to”.
Ms O’Malley-Kumar’s family described her as a “truly wonderful and beautiful young lady” who would be “so dearly missed”. The medical student, from Woodford in London, had represented Essex in cricket as a teenager and had also played for England Hockey.
Two of Mr Coates’ sons said his death had “rocked everyone’s world”, adding: “Nobody deserves this but he definitely didn’t.”
Barnaby Webber's family have also announced that 'everyone' is welcome to attend his funeral on Friday 14 July, from 11.30am.
It will take place in his home town of Taunton in Somerset at the town's minster.
A spokesperson for Barnaby's family said; "His family welcome everyone from Taunton and beyond who wish to pay tribute to this wonderful young man.
"However, there will be limited space in the church with priority given to family, close friends, and the Taunton School and Nottingham University community. Provision is being made for screens and audio outside of the venue.
"A private cremation will take place following this service where the family ask for only invited guests to attend. Please respect their privacy at this time.
"Barnaby was a Taunton boy through and through, and his family take great comfort in the care and support they have received from his home town and beyond."