Mum with ‘misplaced soul’ face tattoo killed daughter, 8 earlier than taking her personal life
Danielle Parkinson, 31, and her daughter Iliza, 8, died in hospital following the blaze at their home in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, days after the mum was released from mental health services
Iliza, 8 died (Image: )
A mother unlawfully killed her daughter and committed suicide by setting their house on fire with a bottle of white spirit. Danielle Parkinson, 31, and her eight-year-old daughter Iliza, tragically lost their lives in hospital following the fire at their home on Leeds Road, Huddersfield, in the early hours of July 31, 2024. A second child miraculously survived the inferno.
Iliza sustained burns covering 90% of her body and had also suffered a number of “defensive wounds” inflicted by a knife. A pathologist concluded that these injuries were the result of an assault with a knife prior to her death.
The day before the tragedy, Danielle, who had a history of mental health issues, had two tattoos inked on her face reading “lost soul”. She had also shared a video in which she confessed: “Every day I’m suffering more and more.”
Following a two-day inquest at Bradford Coroners’ Court, Assistant Coroner Caroline Chandler ruled that Danielle had taken her own life and had unlawfully ended her daughter’s life, reports Yorkshire Live.
The coroner noted there had been “missed opportunities” in the days leading up to the heartbreaking incident.
On July 11, Danielle had visited Huddersfield Royal Infirmary’s A&E department as she was feeling suicidal. She was placed under the care of mental health services, but at no point were her children’s views recorded, nor were any “safeguarding” personnel involved.
Iliza’s father, Gary, honoured his daughter in a statement read to the court, describing how she “always had a smile on her face” and had relished school alongside playing with her friends and siblings.
The inquest received testimony from Farah Farooq, a psychiatric practitioner who visited Danielle at home on July 29, marking their last encounter.
Miss Farooq stated that Danielle seemed “bright” and had discussed her intentions to secure new employment whilst reporting improvements in her sleep and mood.
Earlier that month, Danielle had received respite care involving a brief separation from her children as she struggled to manage. She had left the respite facility early, explaining she was pining for her children.
Just two days prior to the blaze, Danielle had been discharged from the Kirklees Intensive Home Based Service mental health team. Miss Farooq revealed that Danielle had harboured persistent suicidal thoughts, expressing such feelings since age 13.
Nevertheless, she noted that Danielle had previously described her children as “protective factors” that deterred her from ending her own life.
She explained that Danielle had outlined her summer aspirations, including her wish to take her children to witness a Shakespeare production at the theatre.
Upon leaving the service, Miss Farooq said Danielle had appreciated the assistance and “thanked me for saving her life.”
When questioned whether she believed Danielle might ever endanger her children, Miss Farooq stated that the youngsters had appeared to her as being “well loved” and cared for by a “kind and caring mum who worried about them.
“I had no concerns about her care of the children,” she informed the inquest.
The hearing was informed that the mental health trust had commissioned an investigation into Danielle’s treatment, which determined that the perspectives and “voices” of her children hadn’t been “captured”.
The court heard that the trust was implementing improvements to services following Danielle’s case, with results to be presented to the coroner at a future date.
After the inquest, Iliza’s relatives, including father Gary, issued a statement saying: “Iliza tragically died in a house fire which was deliberately caused by Danielle Parkinson. She (Iliza) was a much loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin. Her loss had a devastating and life-changing impact on her family, particularly her father Gary.
“Gary has spoken of his profound grief and heartbreak he has endured since losing Iliza in such a tragic and senseless manner, a pain that he continues to bear every day.
“While the process has helped to clarify the circumstances surrounding Iliza’s death it can not ease the immense loss felt by our family.
“Gary and the family would like to thank the emergency services and all those who have shown compassion and support throughout this incredibly difficult time.
“We now ask that our privacy is respected as we continue to grieve and remember Iliza.”
For confidential support, Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.
