University lecturer died of stab wound to neck, inquest told

A university lecturer whose death is being investigated as murder, was stabbed in the neck, an inquest has heard.

Dr Antonella Castelvedere, was found by police at a property in Wickham Road, Colchester, on June 1, sustaining serious injuries. She was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Ertan Ersoy, 50, also of Wickham Road, has been charged with her murder, appearing before Chelmsford Crown Court this morning for a preliminary hearing.

He is due back before the same court for a plea hearing on August 2, and faces a trial in January 2023, with a time estimate of 10 days.

Lynsey Chaffe, a Coroner's Officer, told the inquest hearing that Dr Castelvedere's provisional cause of death was recored as a "stab wound to the neck".

She added the Dr Castelvedere was discovered with "stab wounds at an address in Colchester" and her death was confirmed by a paramedic at 12.23pm.

The Senior Coroner for Essex, Lincoln Brookes opened the inquest in Chelmsford, then shortly after, suspended proceedings "pending the outcome of ... criminal proceedings".

Ersoy, who is accused of the murder of Dr Castelvedere, spoke only to confrim his identity when he appeared before Chelmsford Crown court via video link from Chelmsford Prison.

An application for bail has not been made, meaning Ersoy is remanded in custody until the next hearing.

Essex Police said officers were summoned following a report of an injured man at an address in Wickham Road shortly after 11.45am on June 1.

Police discovered Ersoy with injuries and Dr Castelvedere, who was pronounced dead at the scene shortly afterwards.

The University of Suffolk described Dr Castelvedere in a statement as “a widely respected and well-liked member of staff at the university where she was an outstanding academic in English and critical writing”.