A father strangled his three-year-old son and stabbed his wife to death then lived with their bodies for up to two weeks before killing himself, police have said.
Poorna Kaameshwari Sivaraj, 36, was last seen on September 21 and her toddler Kailash Kuha Raj three days later.
Detectives believe they were murdered by husband and father Kuha Raj Sithamparanathan, 42, who stabbed himself when officers arrived at the family home in Brentford, west London, on October 6.
They initially received a call late last Sunday from a family member raising concerns about the welfare of Mrs Sivaraj and were confronted with the devastating scene after forcing their way into the flat in Golden Mile House, on Clayponds Lane, shortly before 1am.
Post-mortem examinations found that Kailash died from compression to the neck, and both his parents from knife wounds.
Neighbours said the couple, who were born in Malaysia and married in Kuala Lumpur in 2015, could frequently be heard arguing.
One living on the sixth floor said ‘things got really bad between them, especially during the lockdown’, MailOnline reports.
Another, who lives next door, added: ‘In lockdown they fought a bit, but it’s normal for families. But for one week it has been very quiet.’
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding said: ‘My investigation remains ongoing and I would continue to appeal to anyone who may have information that will assist us to come forward.
‘We now know how this family tragically lost their lives, but we still need to find out why.
‘Our initial inquiries established that Poorna and Kailash had not been seen or heard from for some time; Poorna since around Monday September 21 and Kailash since around Thursday September 24.
‘What happened between then and when our colleagues found them?
‘Did you see any of the family, or hear from them, over this period of time? Any piece of information could prove vital.’
Anyone with information can call police on 020 8721 4205 or via 101.
The case has been referred to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct because Mr Sithamparanathan fatally injured himself when officers entered his home.
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