A university researcher was unlawfully killed in his home before his wife took her own life, after she was arrested on suspicion of his murder, an inquest has concluded.  

Dr Minguk Seo, a researcher at Cranfield University in Bedford, was found dead in his home he shared with his wife, fellow researcher Byoung Ju Jeon, in Countess Way, Broughton, on January 25 2022. 

Jeon was arrested on suspicion of her husband's murder, along with other potential charges, before she took her own life just a few months later on May 3 2022. 

Thames Valley Police, which was investigating the case, said today that had Jeon still been alive, 'a file would have been prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service and we would have sought to charge and remand her for a number of offences, including murder and coercive and controlling behaviour.'

Dr Seo was an aerospace research specialist at Cranfield University, Bedford, where he had been working for almost five years. 

Jeon, who was a research fellow also at Cranfield University, had worked with her husband on at least one published paper. 




Dr Minguk Seo, a researcher at Cranfield University in Bedford, (pictured) was found dead in his home





Byoung-Ju Jeon (pictured) was also an academic at Cranfield University 





The pair shared a home on Countess Way, Broughton (pictured) 

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Underhill said: 'At the conclusion of this inquest, my thoughts and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police are with the family, friends and colleagues of Dr Seo.

'They have had to endure a long investigation and I would like to pay tribute to them for their patience, dignity and understanding.

'Our investigation found strong evidence that Dr Seo was a victim of serious domestic abuse, and was a victim of years of coercive and controlling behaviour, as well as physical and mental abuse.

'This case highlights that men can be victims of domestic abuse, and I would encourage anybody who feels that they are suffering, to not stay silent, but to report this to the police.

'We will always investigate domestic abuse in all its forms as a top priority, and at the conclusion of this tragic case, I would like to add that we will treat victims with respect, dignity and support them through an investigation.

'We will never tolerate domestic abuse and there is advice and information for victims available on our website, including how to report such offences.

'You can also seek support via Victims First, who provide free emotional and practical support to anyone who has experienced domestic abuse.'


Crime