Mother and daughter found dead in Wheathampstead officially named by police

THE mother and daughter found dead in their home on Saturday have been named by police.

Stephania Wolf, 67, and her severely disabled daughter Sam, 29, were discovered after a man delivering leaflets raised the alarm at around 2pm.

Detectives quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and initial post mortem results revealed that neither woman sustained any external injuries or were victims of violence prior to their death. It’s thought that they had been dead for some time.

Neighbours understand that the two women, who had lived on the street for more than 10 years, died of natural causes with Ms Wolf passing away in her bed leaving her daughter, whose body is said to have been found lying next to her wheelchair, unable to fend for herself.

But a police spokesperson said that forensic tests were ongoing to establish the causes of death and the results are not expected for a number of weeks. She added: “It would be impossible to speculate further on causes until these results have come through.”

Speaking to the Herts Advertiser yesterday, a neighbour said that Ms Wolf, whose maiden name was Beckler, was a very private woman and it emerged today (Tuesday) that social services had made a number attempts to help her care for Sam.

A spokesperson for Adult Care Services said that the department was aware of the family but offers of help had been repeatedly declined.

He said that in 1998 an assessment of need resulted in equipment being given and major adaptations being made to the property and that day services and other support was offered following another assessment in 2006. In between assessments, the spokesperson said various other offers of help were also declined.