Mother of six passes away holding photo of children killed in 2017 arson
Michelle Pearson, 37, died in hospital while clutching a picture of four of her children who were murdered in a petrol-bomb attack on their Walkden home in 2017.
An inquest heard that Michelle Pearson, a mother of six, died after a prolonged illness, still holding a photograph of four of her children who perished in a petrol-bomb attack on their Walkden residence in December 2017. The children—Demi, 14; Brandon, 8; Lacie, 7; and Lia, 3—were killed when the fire spread rapidly after the bombs were thrown into the home. Zak Bolland and David Worrall were convicted of the murders and sentenced to life terms with minimum tariffs of 40 and 37 years; their accomplice Courtney Brierley received a 21-year manslaughter term.
The coroner, Timothy Brennand, noted a long-standing feud within the family that preceded the attack and will assess how public agencies responded to reported threats. The hearing also highlighted the family's grief, including a crucifix placed on Pearson's hand as she died.
Why it matters
The case underscores the lasting impact of domestic feuds and raises questions about how authorities handle reported threats.
In this story
