Grandmother Strangled by Son in Murder-Suicide

In Huddersfield, a tragic murder-suicide has concluded the lives of grandmother Jane Riddell, 61, and her son, Lee Scott Riddell, 35. Both were discovered deceased at their Greenlea Court residence on February 3, 2025. Senior Coroner Martin Fleming formally ruled that Jane Riddell was unlawfully killed, while her son, Lee, took his own life.

The inquest revealed Lee Riddell had a history of habitual drug use, with ketamine present in his system. His father noted that Lee's drug-taking began in his teenage years and became severe in recent years. A significant turning point appears to have been the death of a close friend in 2024, after which Lee's behavior reportedly changed dramatically.

Family friends described their relationship as "like a volcano bubbling ready to explode," noting instances where Lee, under the influence of drugs, would disturb his mother at night. Despite these tensions, an ex-partner stated there were no prior indications that Lee would harm his mother, emphasizing that they often bickered but Lee still loved her.

Lee had previously sought help from Change Grow Live Kirklees, but his engagement was limited. Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of ketamine and antidepressants in his system at the time of his death, with no alcohol detected. The coroner expressed deep sympathy to Jane's relatives, acknowledging the profound void left by her sudden and unexpected passing.