Murdered woman and daughters ‘died in bed from stab wounds’

The bodies of married couple Jitendra Lad, 49, and Daksha Lad, 44, were found along with their daughters Trisha, 19, and Nisha, 16, at their detached home in Clayton on Monday. It is suspected that Mr Lad murdered his wife and daughters before taking his own life.

Detectives said this evening that post-mortem examinations on Daksha, Trisha and Nisha showed all three died in their beds as a result of stab wounds.

A West Yorkshire Police statement said: “These injuries are thought to have been sustained at an earlier point during the weekend.”

A post mortem carried out on Jitendra Lad showed he died on Monday, the day the bodies were discovered, from “compression of the neck caused by hanging”.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, from West Yorkshire Police’s Protective Services (Crime), said: “I have spoken to the family members this evening and updated them on the results of the post mortem examinations.

“They are continuing to come to terms with what took place at Blackberry Way, which has robbed a family of two generations, and specially trained officers are supporting them at this very difficult time.

“Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances leading to the incident and we will not be drawn on speculation while our investigation is ongoing.

“I would reiterate that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths and neighbourhood officers have increased patrols in the area to offer reassurance to local people.”

The couple worked for Bradford Council, while Trisha was a student at Leeds University and sister Nisha was a pupil at Thornton Grammar School.

Neighbours have described the family as “lovely” and one former school friend said Mr Lad was a “very happy, easy-going chap”.

Detectives said that the bodies may have been in the house for some time.

Further tributes have been paid to the family on social media sites.

On Twitter, Hamza said: “RIP my friends Nisha & Trisha Lad who were found dead with their mum & dad. Girls you will be missed but not forgotten.”

Sinclair Belle wrote: “Really saddened, RIP Trisha Lad and family. You were a great member of my form who always greeted everybody with a warm smile.”

Friends from Leeds University also paid their respects to Trisha, who had been a volunteer with Leeds Marrow, a student group dedicated to signing up people to the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register.

A Leeds Marrow spokesman said: “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Trisha Lad, a lovely person and volunteer. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew her.”

Another posting by Leeds Marrow said: “Trisha had an incredible energy and positive attitude in all her activities... and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

“Our thoughts go out to everyone who knew Trisha and her family at this incredibly difficult time.”