Three Reading stabbing victims killed by single stab wounds to neck

Three Reading stabbing victims were all killed by single stab wounds to the neck, coroner reveals

• James Anthony Furlong, Joseph Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails were killed 
• The murderer had approached the three men from behind in a busy park
• The Coroner today opened the inquest into the ‘three tragic deaths’ in Reading 

Three men killed in a suspected terror attack in Reading all died of a single stab wound to the neck, a coroner has revealed.

James Anthony Furlong, Joseph Patrick Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails had all been killed on June 20, while in a packed park at the centre of the Berkshire town.

The murderer had approached the three men from behind and stabbed them all with what was described as a kitchen knife, as horrified bystanders screamed and fled. 

The senior Coroner for Berkshire, Heidi Connor said: ‘The impact of these three tragic deaths has been felt not just in Reading, not just in the UK, but across the world.’ 

Mrs Conner added: ‘It is my very sad duty today to open the inquest into the deaths of James Anthony Furlong, Joseph Patrick Ritche-Bennett and David Wails.

Saadallah is accused of killing James Furlong (right), 36, David Wails (left), 49, and 39-year-old Joe Ritchie-Bennett (centre) during the incident Forbury Gardens, Reading

The incident took place in Forbury Gardens, in the centre of Reading, Berkshire, on June 20

Khairi Saadallah, of Reading, had been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder, following the attack. He was due to face a trial

‘These three young men where all victims of the Forbury Gardens incident, just around the corner from this building. The circumstances of their deaths are well known and the details of that incident are to be explored in criminal proceedings.

‘These three young men sustained stab wounds on that terrible day and died shortly afterwards, despite the best efforts of emergency services.

‘There were far more people trying to help that day than cause harm..’

Mrs Conner commended both responding police and paramedics, as well as brave members of the public who rushed to try to help as the men lay dying on the grass.

Mr Furlong, Mr Ritchie-Bennett and Mr Wails had all been well known members of the Reading LGBT+ community. Ceremonies of mourning had been held at the nearby gay bar, The Blagrave, following their deaths.

Forbury Gardens remained closed for several weeks while a forensic examination took place.

Dozens of floral tributes have been left near to the scene of the attack on June 20

Saadallah is charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder following the incident at Forbury Gardens (pictured)

There is a temporary floral tribute for the three but plans to establish a permanent memorial were ongoing, after local residents and friends had donated thousands of pounds in funds.

Mrs Connor, reading through the details of each death, told how James Furlong had been 36 years old at the time he died.

‘He was a much loved and respected teacher at a secondary school in Wokingham. He sustained a stab wound on June 20 this year, in Forbury Gardens, Reading.

‘His cause of death, following a post mortem examination, is a stab wound to the neck. He was identified by his father, Gary Furlong, on June 26.

‘The proceedings are now adjourned to allow criminal proceedings to take place. I offer my heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him..’

The coroner told how Mr Ritchie-Bennett was born in Philadelphia, America and had been aged 39 years when he died.

Home Secretary Priti Patel visited Reading on Saturday when a vigil was held for the three victims

A 25-year-old man, Khairi Saadallah, of Reading, had been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder, following the attack. He was due to face a trial.

‘He was a customer services manager and well-loved member of the Reading community.

‘His cause of death is a stab wound to the back of the neck. He was identified by his brother-in-law, Stephen Bennett on June 26.’

Mrs Connor, opening the final inquest of 49-year-old Mr Wails, said: ‘Dr David Wails was a senior principal scientist. He too was a much loved member of the Reading community.

‘His cause of death, following a post mortem examination, is a stab wound to the left subclavian artery and left common carotid artery.

‘These proceedings are now adjourned to allow criminal proceedings to take place. I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him.’

Sitting at Reading Coroner’s Court, with only two members of the Press present, Mrs Conner ended the inquest openings but could not set a date for the full hearings.

A 25-year-old man, Khairi Saadallah, of Reading, had been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder, following the attack. He was due to face a trial.

The attempted murder charges related to three other men, Stephen Young – who was a friend to the three men killed – as well as Patrick Edwards and Nishit Nisudan, who were sitting in a nearby group and were also stabbed.

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, had visited Reading following the attack and spoke of the large-scale counter-terrorism investigation which had been ongoing.

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