His sister-in-law, Angela Pitt, described Graham McCartney as an otherwise steady gentleman, who unfortunately had suffered from bouts of depression over the years but, to her knowledge, had not seen a doctor about it.She added: “In my view Graham was not an aggressive monster. The Graham I knew would have utterly condemned what has happened. I think he has lost contact with reality.”
Other acquaintances gave a contrasting view.  Some of the couple’s friends said the couple’s relationship had struggled in the time leading up to their death, with frequent arguments which led to Mrs McCartney eventually leaving her husband.
The inquest heard neither Mr or Mrs McCartney, who had two children together, had a history of mental health illness.
But friend Margaret Evans said: “She said she couldn’t feel she could have a conversation with a man on the high street and if Graham saw that, he would be so angry she felt he could almost kill her in his rage.”
Assistant Coroner Luisa Nicholson who recorded conclusions of unlawful killing for Jane McCartney and suicide for Graham McCartney, said: “I am satisfied the McCartneys were experiencing marital difficulties, were living apart and were in the throes of separation, which Mr McCartney, who appears to have been a proud man where outward appearances mattered very much, at best could not accept,” she said.

A prospective home buyer found the bodies in their detached bungalow in the village of Dalwood, Devon, UK

His image of how the outside world perceived him was extreme and ultimately of fatal importance, Luisa Nicholson said.
“It seems Mrs McCartney was taking all possible steps to start a new life for herself and was looking forward to her impending retirement.
“We have heard from the police that financial papers were found, possibly indicating that financial matters were being discussed. An altercation or disturbance appears to have taken place in the lounge during which certain items were damaged.
“As we have heard from family and friends there is no good reason at all why she would want to take her own life in some form of suicide pact
“We will never know for certain what precipitated the vicious attack on Mrs McCartney.
“It appears he simply could not deal with his wife wanting to start a new life without him. He was also a very proud man and his image of how the outside world perceived him was extreme and ultimately of fatal importance.
“This is a double tragedy and no doubt heartbreaking and utterly incomprehensible for all parties involved. We will never know the full story of what happened that day.”