Teenage couple found dead in woods after arrest

The bodies of Jack Michael Williams, 18, and Katherine Susan Jane Powell, 17, were found at Bothenhampton Nature Reserve, near Bridport, on the morning of Tuesday January 25, 2022.

Dorset Coroner's Court in Bournemouth heard that the provisional cause of death, following initial examinations, was stayed.

The inquest into their deaths, initially opened in February 2022, heard that emergency services were called to the beauty spot, in Wych Hill, and both men were confirmed dead by paramedics at the scene.

Dorset Police had previously been in contact with the two teenagers before their deaths following the arrest of Mr Williams on November 22, 2021 and the arrest of Mr Williams and Miss Powell on January 19, 2022.

Dorset Police referred the matter to the police watchdog.

Ms. Powell was reported missing by her father on January 22, 2022 and James Williams was reported missing on January 24, 2022.

The pre-inquest review was chaired by regional coroner Brendan Allen, and the court agreed that the two men would conduct a joint inquest which would take place provisionally on March 24, 2025, for a period of approximately two weeks.

The delay is partly due to a lack of required documents.

Melanie Williamson, of Warwickshire County Council, told the court it could take another “three to four months for the county council's report”.

Further documentation is also required from Dorset Police, Dorset Council and Ms Powell's Dorset GP.

During the initial investigation, a court heard the two men were found in a forest.

The inquest, chaired by senior coroner Rachael Griffin, heard there was no third party involvement in the deaths of either teenager – Mr Williams, of West Bay Road, Bridport, and Miss Powell, of Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

Ms Griffin told the inquest that the two teenagers were identified by mortuary staff using custody images from Dorset Police's database.

READ MORE: Teenagers found dead at Bothenhampton nature reserve have been named.

Representatives from Dorset Police, Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire County Council, Dorset Healthcare and the IOPC Fund were all present via live link.

Additionally, family members of Ms Powell and Mr Williams were also present via live link.

READ MORE: Dorset Police refer to watchdog after teenage deaths at Bothenhampton Reservoir in Bridport

If you or someone close to you has been affected by this or other incidents, there is always someone to talk to.

Contact the Samaritans on 116 123 free of charge at any time, on any phone.

Help and advice are just a phone call away.