Inquest Into Deaths Of Young Woodmancote Family Gets Underway

An inquest into the deaths of a family from Woodmancote, who were shot dead one week into lockdown, is underway.

The bodies of parents Robert Needham, 42, and Kelly Fitzgibbons, 40, were found along with their children Ava Needham, four, and Lexi Needham, two, at a house in the quiet West Sussex village on March 29 2020.

Kelly Fitzgibbons' uncle, Ronald John Peacock, has revealed he found Robert Needham holding a shotgun, when he discovered the bodies later the same day.

The inquest will examine how 42-year-old Robert Needham was able to obtain a firearms licence.

Ms Fitzgibbons was described by her sister as “wonderful and special”, who said her loss “left a hole in our hearts”.

Speaking at a hearing on last year, senior coroner Penelope Schofield said that firearms laws would be put under the microscope in relation to the deaths.

She said the inquest would consider “Mr Needham’s mental and physical health and any matters that may have had a bearing on his state of mind”.

The Home Office is expected to be involved in the inquest in relation to its involvement in setting national firearms policy.

In a tribute, Ms Fitzgibbons’ sister Emma said:

“Kelly was a wonderful and special person. She was kind, caring, funny and always smiling with an amazing love for life.

“Kelly was a dedicated and loving mother and adored Rob and her two beautiful children. She had many friends and was devoted to her friends and family.

“Kelly will be missed by so many people and has left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.”