Mother suffocated children before hanging herself - coroner

The funeral service of Melissa Dorward and her daughters Keira and Ellah Watson was held in July 2009. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A Hastings coroner has found a Haumoana woman most likely suffocated two of her children before hanging herself.

Melissa Dorward and her daughters Keira and Ellah Watson were found dead in their coastal Hawke's Bay property in July 2009.

The bodies were found by Ms Dorward's brother in law who was returning her two sons from a overnight stay with him.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave de Lange said the two girls, aged 4 and 2, were found face up in a double bed while 31 year old Melissa Doward was found in the bathroom.

Coroner Chris Devonport said Ms Dorward was under certain pressures, including her fifth pregnancy, at the time of her death.

- Newstalk ZB