An inquest has ruled that Tasmin Paterson, 31, suffocated her nine-year-old son, Hudson, before taking her own life, a tragedy that occurred after she discovered her partner, Marcus Hughes, had created a profile on a dating website. The findings were presented at Cornwall Coroner's Court on Monday.
Paterson and Hudson were found deceased in September 2024 at their shared residence in the Fletchersbridge area of Bodmin, Cornwall. Senior coroner Andrew Cox stated that evidence indicated it was "more likely than not" that Paterson asphyxiated Hudson. The coroner also found it "far more likely than not" that Paterson took her own life with intent.
Relationship Strain
Mr. Hughes told the inquest that his relationship with Ms. Paterson had become increasingly difficult, leading to arguments. While acknowledging the relationship had been strong at its outset, he described it as being "on the verge" of ending. He confirmed that Ms. Paterson had discovered he was using a dating site, which further strained their relationship. He indicated that Ms. Paterson believed their difficulties were linked to her ongoing health issues, but he suggested other factors were also involved.
Ms. Paterson had experienced health challenges, including a head injury that affected her mobility. The couple was also reportedly facing financial and housing pressures.
Discovery of Deaths
The inquest heard that Hudson was feeling unwell the evening before his death, prompting Ms. Paterson to share a room with him, an arrangement described as not unusual. Mr. Hughes reported no concerns until the following morning when the pair did not emerge from their locked room. After receiving no response to his calls and knocks, he broke down the door and discovered their bodies. Police investigations quickly determined that Mr. Hughes was not involved in their deaths.
Family members, including Hudson's father Aaron Paterson, described Ms. Paterson as a "doting" mother who loved her son deeply. Mr. Paterson stated he had never had reason to be suspicious of her care for Hudson. The coroner concluded Hudson's death was an unlawful killing and Ms. Paterson's death was a suicide.