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Coroner Suspends Inquest After Murder Charges Filed in Fire

9/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Coroner Paul Appleton suspended further inquest hearings after murder charges were filed for the fire.
The blaze erupted on 26 August at a Birchington Avenue house in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough.
Seven-year-old Valentina Foster and her 34-year-old aunt Natalie McDonald died in the fire.
Jaden Wright, 23, appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with two counts of murder.

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Story summary

Coroner Paul Appleton suspended further inquest hearings after murder charges were filed for the fire.
The blaze erupted on 26 August at a Birchington Avenue house in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough.
Seven-year-old Valentina Foster and her 34-year-old aunt Natalie McDonald died in the fire.
Jaden Wright, 23, appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with two counts of murder.