Family killed in Woodmancote near Chichester all died from 'shotgun wounds to the head or chest'

A FAMILY of four, who were found dead at their home, all suffered shotgun wounds to the head or chest, a coroner has revealed.
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The bodies of Robert Needham, Kelly Fitzgibbons and their children, Ava Needham, four, and Lexi Needham, two, were discovered on March 29 at their home in Woodmancote near Chichester, along with that of their dog.

Sussex Police have not given details about what they think happened but detectives believe the murder weapon was found inside the home and they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the killings.

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But at the opening of the inquests into the four deaths, Sussex’s senior coroner Penelope Schofield said Robert Needham’s inquest may be separated from the rest of the family.

Robert Needham who died of a shotgun wounds to the head and neck. Photo: Sussex Police·Robert Needham who died of a shotgun wounds to the head and neck. Photo: Sussex Police·
Robert Needham who died of a shotgun wounds to the head and neck. Photo: Sussex Police·
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‘We are keeping inquests together at the moment but there may need for this to be changed. It depends on requests from the family as to whether they want the inquest of the perpetrator to be held separately,’ reported The Guardian.

During the hearing, Kelly’s sister Emma Ambler paid tribute to the 40-year-old legal secretary and 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.’

Kelly Fitzgibbons and with children Ava and Lexi Needham, who were all shot in the head or chest by a shotgun in their family home near Chichester last month.
Photo: Sussex PoliceKelly Fitzgibbons and with children Ava and Lexi Needham, who were all shot in the head or chest by a shotgun in their family home near Chichester last month.
Photo: Sussex Police
Kelly Fitzgibbons and with children Ava and Lexi Needham, who were all shot in the head or chest by a shotgun in their family home near Chichester last month. Photo: Sussex Police
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The court heard how Mrs Fitzgibbons was killed, with coroner’s officer Melanie Doyle telling the hearing: ‘Kelly Fitzgibbons was found deceased inside her home address. She had injuries consistent with the use of a shotgun, which was also found within the house. The bodies of her partner and their two children were also found at the house.’

The inquest heard the mother had died from shotgun wounds to the head and neck. Her four-year-old daughter Ava died from a shotgun wound to the chest while two-year-old Lexi was shot in the head.

Mr Needham, a 40-year-old builder, also died from shotgun injuries to his head and neck, the coroner said.

Mrs Ambler has set up a fundraising page to create a memorial bench to her sister and nieces in Emsworth.

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The funding page has already earned thousands of pounds worth of donations and tributes.

On the page Emma said: ‘Weʼre raising £800 to buy a memorial bench in memory of my beautiful twin sister Kelly Fitzgibbons and my wonderful nieces Ava and Lexi.

‘I’m still struggling with any words except to say Kel was so special and the hole she has left will never, ever be filled. I know this is the same for many, many people.’

She added the memorial bench could be placed at either Emsworth Mill Pond or West Ashling Pond, where Kelly would take her children for walks.

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A provisional date for the full inquest has been set for October 6.

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