Woman dies from 'external airway obstruction'

The inquest of Kimberley Thompson was opened at Northampton Guildhall

A 43-year-old woman found dead in her home died of "external airway obstruction," a coroner said.

Kimberley Thompson, 43, was found by police at a property in Pinewood Road in Northampton on 9 August.

Michael Thompson, 55, of Pinewood Road, has been charged with rape and murder.

Speaking at the opening of an inquest, senior coroner Anne Pember, said the provisional cause of death was "external airway obstruction." She confirmed Mrs Thompson's body had been released and adjourned the inquest to 11 March 2026.

Thompson appeared at Northampton Crown Court on 19 September and spoke only to confirm his details.

The case was adjourned to a later date yet to be fixed.

Ms Thompson's family released a statement via police, which thanked people for their condolences.

"As a family, we are still coming to terms with what has happened and ask that people respect our privacy in this time of grief," it added.