Parlour women's brutal deaths
Two women found dead in a Shrewsbury massage parlour had both been hit in the face and head at least 14 times with an object like a hammer, an inquest heard today. Annie Eels, 55, and Samantha Tapper, 23, were found on the morning of July 2 at Rachel's Health Studio, Frankwell. Two women found dead in a Shrewsbury massage parlour had both been hit in the face and head at least 14 times with an object like a hammer, an inquest heard today. Annie Eels, 55, and Samantha Tapper, 23, were found with the severe head injuries early on the morning of July 2 at Rachel's Health Studio, Frankwell. Members of the women's families were at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court today to hear the inquest resume. It was adjourned pending a criminal trial. Coroner John Ellery read out evidence from pathologist Dr Edmund Tapp, who said grandmother Mrs Eels, of Llansantffraid, had received at least 16 blows to the face and head, while mother-of-one Miss Tapper, of Wolverhampton, had received at least 14 blows, also to the face and head. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star.
Two women found dead in a Shrewsbury massage parlour had both been hit in the face and head at least 14 times with an object like a hammer, an inquest heard today. Two women found dead in a Shrewsbury massage parlour had both been hit in the face and head at least 14 times with an object like a hammer, an inquest heard today. Annie Eels, 55, and Samantha Tapper, 23, were found with the severe head injuries early on the morning of July 2 at Rachel's Health Studio, Frankwell.
Two women found dead in a Shrewsbury massage parlour had both been hit in the face and head at least 14 times with an object like a hammer, an inquest heard today. Annie Eels, 55, and Samantha Tapper, 23, were found with the severe head injuries early on the morning of July 2 at Rachel's Health Studio, Frankwell.Members of the women's families were at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court today to hear the inquest resume. It was adjourned pending a criminal trial.
Coroner John Ellery read out evidence from pathologist Dr Edmund Tapp, who gave the cause of death for both women as blunt force head injuries.
He said grandmother Mrs Eels, of Llansantffraid, had received at least 16 blows to the face and head, while mother-of-one Miss Tapper, of Wolverhampton, had received at least 14 blows, also to the face and head.
The impact was consistent with the blows having been caused by a hammer, he said.
"I certified death at 8.30pm and was told the body was believed to be that of Anne Elizabeth Eels."
Dr Tapp said that Miss Tapper had been lying on the floor of the first room of the flat when he was asked to certify her death, also at 8.30pm on July 2.
Detective Sergeant Allan Crossley, who was the first detective to be called to the investigation, told the inquest that Garry Allan Harding had been charged with two counts of murder and would appear at court for a plea and directions hearing later this month.
Mr Ellery, coroner for Mid and North Shropshire, said: "I adjourn the inquest to wait the outcome of the crown court proceedings.
"Subject to what happens at the crown court, it may or may not be necessary to resume," he added.
By Alys Cummings
