An inquest has been opened into the death of alleged ‘murder’ victim Katie Hurmuz-Irimia.

Oxford Coroner’s Court this afternoon heard that the 40-year-old woman died at her home in Blue Mountains, Wallingford, on August 30. Her death was pronounced by a paramedic.

A post-mortem had found she died from stab wounds to the neck and chest, senior coroner Darren Salter said.

Mr Salter, the senior coroner for Oxfordshire, said: “Clearly, just pausing there, this is a case with a police investigation and the date set for the inquest is March 21, although it may well be and, indeed, is perhaps likely, that the case will not result in an inquest but criminal proceedings instead.”  

Opening the inquest at a short hearing on Wednesday afternoon, he recorded that Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia had been born in Reading in 1981 and gave her profession as carer.

Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia’s husband, 28-year-old factory worker Mihai, is accused of her murder. He was remanded by the magistrates at the start of this month and is due before Oxford Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 28.

In the wake of the woman’s death, her friends and former colleagues at the Londis convenience store in Sinodun Road, Wallingford, paid tribute to the mum-of-one.

Jyoti Patel, who runs the shop with her husband, told the Oxford Mail this week: “Katie was 14 years old when she started working for us, she soon became part of our family. We cannot believe this has happen.

“She was loving, kind, funny, caring person. We will treasure all the memories we have had with her. She will be truly missed by everyone who knew her and she will always be forever in our hearts.

“Our deepest love and thoughts go out to her and to her family.”

A fundraiser has been set up to support Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia’s son Hayden with an initial target of £2,000. It has since raised more than £4,600.

Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia’s family said in a tribute, released by Thames Valley Police: “We are missing you terribly, bye from all of us. Words will never describe how we feel, we have lost our star, shine high and bight, take care my angel sleep tight.”

In tributes left online in the immediate aftermath of the death of Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia, née Chalk, Nessy Jayne said: “Such a kind-hearted and beautiful person, rest in peace Katie.”

Mary Craddock added: “You earned your wings much too soon, R.I.P lovely lady.”

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