Sister hoping to create legacy for Huntingdon woman killed by partner
She wants a full inquest into her death to take place
The sister of a woman found dead in her Huntingdon home is leading calls for more action to protect other women and girls from violence.
Simone Smith's body was found in February last year at the home she shared with her 27-year-old partner Cody Parker.
An inquest into Parker's death - who later took his own life - heard he was responsible for Simone's killing.
"We have answers; what we want is for it (Simone's death) to be acknowledged," Karina, Simone's sister, said.
"I had to fight for them, I had to constantly ask 'what's the update? Is the investigation finished?' I believe I wouldn't know what I know about Simone's death now if I hadn't have badgered for answers."
Murder case
A murder investigation was launched by police after officers discovered the body of Simone, 35, at her flat in Saunders Close on February 26, 2025.
The next day, staff at Hinchingbrooke Hospital found Parker's body in public toilets.
Police confirmed his death is connected to Simone's murder and said they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.
The investigation grew further when hospital staff at Hinchingbrooke Hospital discovered the body of 27-year-old Cody Parker in public toilets on 27 February.
Police confirmed that his death is connected to the murder of Simone, but have stated that they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.
An inquest held into Parker's death heard that he was responsible for killing Simone and that a manhunt was launched to find him after her body was found.
Karina wants a full hearing into the circumstances around Simone's death to be held.
"It (Simone's death) was a massive shock," she said.
"It's not we're going to get closure from what happened to Simone; it will just look different.
"These are really painful things to go through and we just want to get that part of this awful process done and we feel we're being held up."
Review being held
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed a domestic homicide review into what happened to Simone is currently taking place and is due to be completed later this year.
These reviews are conducted when the death of a person aged 16 or over has or appears to have resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by someone close to them.
This includes:
- A person to whom he or she was related or involved in an intimate personal relationship;
- A person from the same household as himself or herself.
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said an inquest for Simone has not been scheduled, but plans are being made for a future date.
Karina wants details of the homicide review to be included in Simone's inquest.
"I want that read in a court of law because that is what happened to her; we don't get justice for Simone, but I want it acknowledged what happened to her and it feels like the review would do that," she said.
"She was hilariously funny, very talented, she loved to sing, very caring, would help a stranger.
"She cared about everybody; she had a quirky personality, loved rock music, everybody called her the 'skull queen' because she collected everything skull."
Karina has teamed up with Peterborough Women's Aid for support and trying to ensure other families don't go through the same process she has.
She also feels a change in how certain behaviours are first spotted could improve.
"We can't do anything for Simone now, but this for me is a legacy to help other women and girls," she added.
"Is there not a flag system similar to Clare's Law where people can check out if somebody's been flagged for coercive or controlling behaviour by professionals?
"Can a GP not flag something on a register to say this is a concern, (especially) if someone ends up in a relationship with a person? I feel there's something missing here."