The bodies of 67-year-old Shirley Nunn and her 50-year-old son, Stephen, were found at their home in Middlesbrough by a family member. Shirley, who was Stephen’s carer, had taken her own life after killing her disabled son.
An investigation into their deaths revealed that more support could have been given to Shirley after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. A Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) suggested that she may have felt there was no other way to ensure her son’s care after her death, according to *TeessideLive*.
Shirley had been looking after Stephen since he suffered a serious brain injury in an accident at age 11. She was described as a “loving and caring” mother, and they were part of a close family. In July 2021, she was diagnosed with stage three cancer, and by August, doctors confirmed it was terminal.
In October, she was admitted to the hospital, where she learned that the cancer had spread to her brain, spine, and pelvis. Plans were being made for her to receive palliative care at home. Those working with the family noted she was more worried about what would happen to her son after her death. However, there were no clear signs that she was planning to take both their lives.
On October 24, two days after being discharged from the hospital, police were called to her home by her sister. Shirley’s husband, Paul, had died from cancer in October 2019, and she and her son passed away on the anniversary of his death.
The Middlesbrough Community Safety Partnership ordered a review, which was carried out by an independent expert. The report, now published on the Middlesbrough Council’s website, used the names “June and John” instead of their real names.
The review stated that Shirley had always prioritized her son’s needs. It also found that during her hospital visits in September and October 2021, she showed signs of emotional distress, often appearing tearful. The panel believed there were missed opportunities to assess her mental and emotional well-being or to involve Adult Social Care.
Cleveland Police conducted an investigation and shared their findings with the Teesside Coroner.
