Pregnant Mum Killed by Jealous Partner

A beloved young mother, who was expecting her third child, was tragically killed by her jealous and paranoid partner, who later took his own life after their relationship came to an end.

Lucy Powell, a 21-year-old mother of two, was less than three months pregnant when her 47-year-old boyfriend, Gregory Duhamel, smothered her to death in their home in Stechford.

The couple was found unresponsive in their bedroom on January 27, 2022, after police forced entry into the property on Swancote Road. Officers were alerted by Lucy’s father, Robert, who grew concerned when she stopped answering calls and didn't open the door.

Lucy had red marks around her neck, and a post-mortem examination confirmed she had died from smothering, while Duhamel had taken his own life by hanging.

An inquest held this week confirmed the family’s worst fears — that Lucy’s death was the result of a violent outburst by Duhamel, driven by his unfounded suspicions of infidelity. Investigators found a note he had left on the stairs indicating both his intention to end his life and his anger toward Lucy, stating she would "also die."

Area coroner Ms Brown said Duhamel believed Lucy was cheating and planned to take her life along with his own. However, Detective Chief Inspector Laura Harrison from West Midlands Police confirmed there was no evidence to support his accusations.

Witness accounts from Lucy’s colleagues and nursery staff at her children’s school revealed that the couple’s relationship had deteriorated. Lucy had reportedly told a friend that she intended to end the relationship, something Duhamel appeared unwilling to accept.

Lucy was last seen the day before her body was discovered, with CCTV showing her dropping off her children and leaving work. Duhamel was also seen on CCTV early on the 27th, making a car trip and later taking their children to nursery.

Detectives confirmed that, had he lived, Duhamel would have faced a murder charge, as no third-party involvement was found.

Coroner Ms Brown concluded Lucy’s death was an “unlawful killing,” stating: “Given the note, it's clear he was enraged and did not want her to live to raise their children.”

In a heartfelt statement, Lucy’s grieving family remembered her as a warm, loving soul: “Lucy was a beautiful, kind, and caring person who brought joy to everyone. She was an incredible mum who adored her two children. Her sudden loss has left a deep void in our hearts that can never be filled. Rest in peace, our special girl — forever loved and missed.”