Police launch murder-suicide probe after bodies of London couple found in Harrogate hotel


Murder-suicide at the Hilton: Police launch investigation after bodies of 29-year-old London couple were found with stab wounds in luxury Harrogate hotel room

  • Police were called to Hilton hotel in Harrogate following ‘commotion’ in room
  • Chenise Gregory and Michael McGibbon, both 29, were found dead inside
  • North Yorks Police treating incident as ‘murder-suicide’ with Ms Gregory believed to have been stabbed first
  • The couple had travelled more than 200 miles from London to stay in the hotel

A man killed his girlfriend and then stabbed himself to death at a prestigious hotel in a North Yorkshire town.

Chenise Gregory, 29, and her partner Michael McGibbon, also 29, were both found dead and covered in stab wounds in their room by shocked staff at the Doubletree by Hilton in Harrogate.

The London couple had travelled more than 200 miles to stay in the hotel.

Police today revealed that they are treating their deaths on Tuesday night as a ‘murder-suicide’ and believe Ms Gregory was murdered.

Chenise Gregory, 29, and her partner Michael McGibbon, also 29, were both found dead and covered in stab wounds in their room by shocked staff at the Doubletree by Hilton in Harrogate

Chenise Gregory, 29, and her partner Michael McGibbon, also 29, were both found dead and covered in stab wounds in their room by shocked staff at the Doubletree by Hilton in Harrogate

Detectives said she was stabbed first and then her partner stabbed himself.

The force is not looking for anyone in connection with their deaths. 

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Sygrove of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team said: ‘An investigation into the circumstances around the deaths is ongoing, but the evidence we have gathered at this stage suggests it as a suspected murder-suicide.

‘A post-mortem has taken place that has confirmed the couple died from stab wounds. We are treating Ms Gregory’s death as murder and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

‘This is a very sad case and our thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time.

Police today revealed that they are treating their deaths on Tuesday night as a 'murder-suicide' and believe Ms Gregory was murdered

Police today revealed that they are treating their deaths on Tuesday night as a ‘murder-suicide’ and believe Ms Gregory was murdered

‘We have specialist officers from North Yorkshire Police, supported by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police supporting the family, and we will work with them as we investigate the circumstances leading to these tragic deaths.’

The couple had travelled from London to stay at the hotel in Harrogate which dates back to 1900 and has hosted film stars, Indian royalty and aristocracy. 

Their bodies were found at just after 10.20pm on Tuesday night. It is thought a commotion had been heard coming from the room.

One hotel worker told MailOnline: ‘I’ve heard there was some noise and staff investigated.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Sygrove of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team said: 'An investigation into the circumstances around the deaths is ongoing, but the evidence we have gathered at this stage suggests it as a suspected murder-suicide'

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Sygrove of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team said: ‘An investigation into the circumstances around the deaths is ongoing, but the evidence we have gathered at this stage suggests it as a suspected murder-suicide’

‘Later there was no reply in the room so some staff went in. They are very shocked.’

Locals were also shocked and puzzled by the unusual case in Harrogate.

Dog walker Mike Brown, 57, said: ‘When I heard the news I thought it might be suicide. But a double suicide is pretty unusual.

‘I thought maybe it was a suicide pact but it’s shocking if he has killed his girlfriend and then killed himself.

‘What a monster. You don’t expect this to happen here.’

A spokesman for the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa said: ‘Following an incident the police were called and we are currently assisting them with their enquiries.’ 

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