An inquest has opened following the tragic deaths of Martina Karos, 42, and her eight-year-old daughter, Eleni Edwards, who was severely disabled. The mother and daughter were discovered deceased at their home in Salford on September 23, 2024, after police were called when Eleni failed to attend her special school.
Martina, originally from Poland and a former translator, had been struggling with her mental health after a relationship breakdown. The demands of caring for Eleni, who was blind, non-verbal, and had limited mobility, left Martina feeling isolated and lonely, Bolton Coroner’s Court heard.
Despite receiving extensive support — including daily visits by carers and social workers, respite care, counseling, and psychotherapy — Martina found it difficult to engage socially. Efforts were made by social services to help her build new friendships and attend community activities, but she remained emotionally distant and frequently expressed feelings that life was not worth living.
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Eleni had been placed on a child protection plan earlier in 2024 due to concerns about emotional harm linked to her mother’s low mood, though there was no indication of physical harm. Social workers noted that Martina felt “stuck” by her caring responsibilities, which prevented her from working and left her feeling particularly lonely during the day when Eleni attended school.
According to service managers from Greater Manchester Mental Health and Salford City Council, all available resources and interventions had been exhausted in attempts to support Martina and Eleni. Martina had told social workers she did not know how to occupy herself beyond her caregiving duties and struggled to form social connections.
Martina’s background includes moving from Lublin, Poland to Italy as a child, and later relocating to England in 2003. She studied languages and worked as a translator before becoming pregnant with Eleni despite previous medical advice that she could not have children. After Eleni’s birth in 2016, it became clear that the child had severe disabilities.
The pathologist ruled the cause of death for both as carbon monoxide poisoning. Police have confirmed that their investigation is not looking for any other suspects.
The inquest remains ongoing and has been adjourned until January 15, 2025.