Mansion fire inquest concludes unlawful killings

Ruined millionaire Christopher Foster unlawfully killed his wife Jill and teenage daughter Kirstie before committing suicide, a coroner has ruled. The inquest at Shrewsbury Magistrates' Court was told that the 50-year-old businessman had killed 49-year-old Jill and 15-year-old Kirstie "almost certainly" as they slept in their beds. Coroner for mid and north Shropshire, John Ellery, said: "Mrs Jill Foster and her daughter Miss Kirstie Foster were both shot in the head. "They were shot in their respective bedrooms almost certainly whilst asleep. "They both had everything to live for and Kirstie had her teenage and adult life ahead of her." He said Mr Foster had "quickly and methodically", killed his family and set their £1.2 million mansion in Maesbrook, Shropshire, on fire in August last year. Speaking after the verdict Mr Foster's brother, Andrew Foster, said: "What has shocked us as a family over the last six months is the failure of different branches of the public services to work together, even when the objectives is as essential as the prevention of life-threatening violence. "It has become apparent that Christopher had been mentally ill for some time and had discussed with his GP and other people that he intended to take his own life. "We are not apportioning blame or condoning Christopher's actions during the morning of August 26 last year, but we wish to highlight that preventative measures such as improved communication between GPs and police or firearms officers in the future could help stop a similar tragedy happening to another family." Mr Foster said a webpage has been set up to allow well-wishers to make donations to the Riding for the Disabled Association in Kirstie's memory. He added: "Kirstie's memory will not be lost as we intend to continue our work with the Riding for Disabled Association." Mr Foster said the family also intended to present a trophy in Kirstie's name at the association's riding championships due to be held in July. In a statement issued by police, Jill Foster's brother, Roger Doley, who chose not to attend the inquest, said he wanted to thank all those involved in the investigation. Speaking outside the magistrates' court, Superintendent Jon Groves, who led the investigation for West Mercia Constabulary, said he had never dealt with such a "challenging and unusual" investigation and said the case was one of the most complex and high profile the force had ever dealt with. He said: "This was a very sad and tragic case and my thoughts and those of the officers and staff from West Mercia Constabulary are with the Foster family's relatives and friends at this time. "Now the inquest has concluded and we have the verdicts, I hope it offers some sort of closure to the Foster's loved ones and they can begin to move forward and rebuild their lives. "I would like to thank them for their support throughout the investigation."

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ITN | April 3, 2009

Tags:. .shropshire. .shrewsbury. .apportioning. .condoning. .unlawfully