West Park murder: Viktorija Sokolova inquest adjourned as second post mortem takes place
A second post mortem was due to take place today on West Park murder victim Viktorija Sokolova.
An inquest also opened into the 14-year-old girl's death at Black Country Coroners Court today, two weeks after she was found dead by a member of the public in the Wolverhampton park.
At the inquest Detective Inspector Caroline Corfield took to the witness box to explain where the investigation currently stood.
Viktorija was born in Lithuania but moved to the UK when she was about seven or eight years old, the inquest heard.
She lived in Mostyn Street, Dunstall Hill with her family, who were aware of the inquest opening today but did not attend.
Officers say she died of blunt force head injuries, and Det Insp Corfield confirmed a second post mortem was due to take place today before a decision can be made for the girl’s body to be released to her family.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the rape and murder of Viktorija and will next appear in Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 8 for a pre-trial preparation hearing. He cannot be named for legal reasons.
A second suspect was also arrested but released on bail pending further investigation.
Due to the criminal aspect of the case, senior coroner for the Black Country Zafar Siddique suspended the inquest.
He said: “Given the circumstances I formally suspend this inquest pending the outcome of the criminal trial.
"I take this opportunity to offer my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Viktorija, in these tragic circumstances.”
Meanwhile Wolves have urged supporters to help police investigating the murder in an appeal published on the club website.
The appeal, accompanied by a description of Viktorija, said: "We know that many of you will have parked near the park or walked home that way. Did you see Vicky?
"Did you see or hear anything suspicious or unusual?"
