Two boys were found strangled to death at their home, where their mother was also found dead, an inquest has found.
Nadja de Jager, 47, and her sons Alexander, nine, and Maximus, seven, were spotted after police forced entry into their home in Belvedere, in the southeast Londonon March 9th.
They were found dead at the scene of the crime around 11.50am after concerns were raised about her welfare.
Autopsy investigations revealed the boys’ preliminary cause of death was ligature compression on their necks, while their mother’s preliminary cause of death was listed as suspension – a medical term that includes hanging.
Detective Inspector Oliver Stride said both boys were found in an upstairs bedroom at the Mayfield Road property.
He added: “Maximus was lying on the bed while Alexander was lying on the floor next to the bed.
“The preliminary cause of death for both was given as ligature compression at the neck pending further investigation.
“Nadja’s preliminary cause of death was given as a suspension.”
He added that the boys’ father, whose name was not released, identified the boys’ bodies.
Alexander and Maximus were “model students” and “everybody’s best friend”, it was said in their school at the time.
In a tribute, a spokesman for Belvedere Infant and Junior School said: “Alex and Max were truly wonderful members of our school community and we will remember them with great affection and love.
“They were loving and caring boys who were really hungry to learn.
“Both were star students and it was clear they were each other’s best friends.
“You will be greatly missed by students and staff alike and will always be part of our hearts at the Belvedere.”
Investigators are looking for no one else in connection with the investigation.
An inquest into all three deaths was opened and adjourned during a five-minute hearing at Croydon Coroner’s Court this morning.
Chief South London Coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe told the hearing: “There is a police inquiry into all three deaths. Proceedings in this case are essentially adjourned.”
It is expected to be completed in six months.
Once this is done, a decision will be made as to whether a full investigation needs to take place.
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