South Wales Police have launched a homicide investigation after 35-year-old Zoe Dixon died from severe traumatic head injuries sustained in a serious assault in Merthyr Tydfil. Hours after the incident, a 39-year-old man was found dead at Pontsticill Reservoir in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were called to an address in Rocky Road, Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, shortly before midnight on June 15. Zoe Dixon was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with severe traumatic head injuries. Despite medical efforts, she died on June 22.
In the early hours of June 16, a 39-year-old man was discovered deceased at Pontsticill Reservoir. Police have not confirmed a link between the two deaths but are treating the investigation as a homicide.
Inquest Findings
An inquest opening at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court on Thursday heard that Ms Dixon's death was believed to be 'both traumatic and unnatural'. Assistant coroner Rachel Knight stated: “Based on the evidence I have heard, I’m satisfied that it is necessary to open an inquest into the death of Zoe Marie Dixon. There is reason to believe that the death was both traumatic and unnatural. I want to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the family of Zoe Dixon at this difficult time.”
A provisional cause of death was given as blunt head injury, including a complex parieto-occipital skull fracture and left parieto-cerebral contusions. A date for the full inquest has yet to be fixed.
Police Statement
A South Wales Police spokesperson said: “The investigation into the serious assault of a 35-year-old woman in Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, continues and is now being treated as a homicide by South Wales Police. Shortly before midnight on Monday June 15, emergency services were called to an address in Rocky Road whereby a 35-year-old woman was conveyed to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, for treatment following an assault. Subsequently in the early hours of Tuesday June 16, a 39-year-old man was found deceased at Pontsticill Reservoir in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. On Monday June 22, it was confirmed that despite the best efforts of medical staff the female has sadly passed away. Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.”
