A heartbroken relative of a woman who was found dead with her 10-year-old son in Leeds has spoken for the first time about the tragedy.
Cíntia Costa, a cousin of Dalia Baptista, spoke out weeks after West Yorkshire Police revealed her body and that of her son Frederico Mendes, had been found in a quiet Leeds street, Cross Ingram Road. Neighbours raised the alarm after not seeing either of them for several weeks. A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed that officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder investigation.
A mum who lived close to the house, said at the time of the discovery her seven-year-old daughter would often play outside with the 10-year-old boy. She said: "She was always quiet and she spent most of her time in the flat. She would never speak to anyone. We hadn't seen them for a while but we thought she was probably on holiday (in Portugal)."
READ MORE: Leeds flats 'designed for working from home' given go-ahead in city centre
Cíntia, is fundraising for her cousin's funeral after the 'unbelievable' tragedy.
She said: "I am fundraising for the purpose of my cousin's funeral. My cousin suffered from depression and autism which sadly became too much for her to cope with. Her name is Dalia Baptista and her son Frederico Mendes was a 10-year-old little boy with autism as well (who also fell victim to what took place.)
"I would like to raise as much as possible to go towards the funeral in supporting her parents and siblings with the funeral at such a painful time. No matter how big or small every donation would be we will deeply appreciated." Anyone who wishes to donate to this terrible tragedy can do so here. It is hoped that £5,000 can be raised."
West Yorkshire Police said: "The death of the boy is subject to a murder investigation. While enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the deaths, officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident."
An inquest into the deaths is due to be opened in due course.
Read next:
- Work begins on 152 new build house development on old Leeds college site
- 'Dirty' Leeds takeaway with no working hand washing basin handed one star food hygiene rating
- M62 latest as motorists facing more than seven miles of delays following police incident
- Inquest to take place of West Yorkshire dad who was trampled to death by cows while walking dogs with wife
- Two men including 86-year-old seriously injured after being hit by car in Morley
