The tattoo artist stabbed his wife to death in an unprovoked attack before turning the knife on himself

Catalin Micu, 54, killed the mother of a Ramona Stoia, 35, in a suspected murder-suicide on April 11 at her tattoo parlor called GothInk Studio in Canterbury, Kent

A tattoo artist stabbed his wife in an “unprovoked attack” before turning the knife on himself at the studio where they worked, an inquest heard today.

Catalin Micu, 54, killed the mother of a Ramona Stoia, 35, in a suspected murder-suicide April 11 in Canterbury, Kent.

Not long after her death, it was revealed that Micu faced allegations of raping Ramona multiple times throughout their marriage.

The couple have a small child together.

Micu was on police bail when he was found dead in her GothInk studio along with Ramona.

Micu died of a stab wound to the stomach, Kent learned during an inquest into his death at County Hall in Maidstone.

At a hearing earlier this week, it was heard that Ramona suffered a knife wound to the neck.

Coroner Katrina Hepburn said Micu killed his wife before he was seen behind a curtain before his death.

Before the apparent murder-suicide, Micu was questioned by police after his wife accused him of multiple sexual assaults against her.

Kent Police then referred them to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), after their contact with the couple before their deaths.

The IPOC has since confirmed that it will not investigate, leaving the force free to conduct its own inquiries into how the case should be handled.

The regulator added that it will review the results of the internal investigation.

At around 5:20 p.m. on April 11, dozens of armed police officers burst into the studio, where they found the couple dead.

Detectives are looking for no one else in connection with her death.

Ramonas is being treated as a suspect and Micus is not, police said.

Ramona’s death resulted in a spate of tributes where she was a well known tattoo artist in the community.

A collage of pictures of Ramona has since been placed on the store’s doors, along with dozens of flowers, candles and written tributes.

A heartfelt poem entitled The Shining Star reads: “A shining star ripped from our sky. The question we ask ourselves is why?

“A wonderful spirit loved by all. An amazing woman, so beautiful.

“Abducted by the angels in such a cruel way. I can’t find any words so heartbroken.

“The tattoos you create are your legacy. Up in the sky, now the spirit flies free.”

A tribute left at the scene reads: “RIP Ramona. you were a beautiful soul You will be missed so much.”

Another says: “I never knew you but unfortunately I can relate to your experience. You deserve to be here and free from violence. I hope you have some sense of peace.”

In February, Ramona obtained a non-harassment order — a court order restricting or prohibiting contact — against Micu.

The tattoo artists wed in Las Vegas four years ago but are said to have recently split.

The couple – who have a young son – are believed to have continued to live together, but Micu has been banned from “harassing or molesting” them.

On March 26, Micu was arrested on suspicion of violating this order and seriously sexually assaulting his wife.

Ramona brought up a series of historic rape allegations against her husband, dating back throughout their 16-year relationship but mostly taking place in recent years.

There were five separate allegations, all of which reportedly took place at the family home.

After his arrest, Micu was placed on police bail until April 20.

Anyone with concerns or information about the incident is asked to contact police via the Kent Police Force website or by calling 101 on 11-0995 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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