A mum-of-three allegedly murdered inside a Wirral flat died as a result of multiple injuries with terminal hypothermia, it has been confirmed.
Helen Joy was discovered at the address in Twickenham Drive, Leasowe, almost six months ago.
A series of complex tests have been ongoing to establish how she died. since she was found on February 1.
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Ms Joy's death was one of three murder investigations opened by Merseyside Police in the space of a fortnight earlier this year, all with female victims.
It prompted detectives to issue a public plea about domestic abuse as an assistant chief constable said, "we never know who may be suffering behind their own front door and closed curtains."
Kevin Ashton, 45, also of Twickenham Drive, Leasowe, is charged with murder and is set to stand trial in October at Liverpool Crown Court.
Ms Joy had three children - two grown up daughters and a son.
In a statement they said: "The news of our mum’s death came as a massive shock to us all and we are all heartbroken.
"We didn’t always see eye to eye but she was our mum and we are all devastated by what has happened.
"We are happy that mum is no longer in pain and is now safe with the angels and now we just want justice for her.”
Ashton and Ms Joy were known to each other, and the suspect was arrested a short time after the discovery of the 54-year-old.
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