Husband, 59, shot wife dead then killed himself in...

A HUSBAND shot his wife dead then killed himself in a murder-suicide on their isolated family farm, an inquest concluded. Rachel Harrison, 54, was shot twice in the head and once in the chest by 59-year-old Richard Harrison. Her body was discovered in the stable at the couple's farm in Saddington, Leicestershire, on December 15, 2023. They were both declared dead at the scene by a paramedic shortly before police arrived.

Image Credit: The Sun [Woman at a formal event holding a cocktail.]

An inquest found Harrison shot Rachel using a legally-owned rifle. The cattle buyer then shot himself in the head with the same weapon. Leicestershire Area Coroner Ivan Cartwright said: "In shooting Mrs Harrison, her husband intended to kill or to cause her serious bodily harm.". The court was told the relationship between the pair had been strained "for some years". However, it "broken down irretrievably" in the months leading up to their deaths.

Image Credit: The Sun [Photo of Richard Harrison, 59.]

Neighbours previously told of their “shock and sadness” following the horror. One local said: "They were a lovely and decent couple and our hearts go out to their family. "It is a terrible thing to happen, really shocking, and has upset so many of us at a time when we should all be looking forward to celebrating Christmas with loved ones.". Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk. Women’s Aid provides a live chat service - available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm. You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

One member of the parish council, who asked not to be named, said Richard and Rachel were very much respected and that their deaths had rocked the farming town. They added: “I know of them, they ran the local farm and they were liked and well respected by many. “I think the whole village is quite devastated by it all. "It's a quiet village, but most people know each other and, although he kept himself to himself, he went down to the village pub quite often.".