Tests which would confirm the cause of death of a suspected murder suicide have yet to take place, a court has heard.
Janice and Michael Woolford were found at their home in Satley Gardens, Tunstall on February 26 , after reports of concerns for a woman.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but sadly officers discovered two bodies at the home, off Essen Way.
An inquest into their deaths opened at Sunderland Civic Centre on Tuesday.
The opening heard how police forced entry into the property after they were called for concerns for a female occupant.
On entry to the house, police found the body of 68-year-old Mrs Woolford behind the living room door.
She was partially covered with a blanket and was naked from the waist up and had visible puncture wounds to her body and signs of trauma to her face.
They then found the naked body of her 44-year-old son on the sofa.
Police discovered empty medication and alcohol by his feet and a knife was also partially visible.
The coroner is still awaiting the post-mortem examination results which would confirm their cause of death.
Assistant Coroner David Place said the case “requires investigation” and adjourned both inquests until September 9 at 10am.
Mrs Woolford will be held at Bishopwearmouth Cemetery at 2pm on March 20.
A requiem mass will be held beforehand at 1pm at the Holy Rosary RC Church in Farringdon.
Mrs Woolford was described as a “devoted wife” to her late husband Gordon and a “much loved auntie and cousin”.
