A schoolgirl allegedly raped and murdered suffered four cardiac arrests before she died in a Huddersfield flat, an inquest has heard, as police continue their investigation into the 13-year-old’s unexplained death.
Casey-Louise Horrocks was discovered “unresponsive” in a 16-year-old boy’s bedroom on Sheepridge Road, Huddersfield, at 11.36pm on 11 August. West Yorkshire Police initially arrested the teenage boy on suspicion of rape and murder but he has since been released on conditional bail.
The teenager was also arrested and released on bail in relation to the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl in a separate incident in Kirklees, the force confirmed.
Multiple Cardiac Arrests Before Death
An inquest at Bradford Coroner’s Court heard how Casey-Louise was rushed to Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax following the incident. Coroner’s officer Victoria Normington told the hearing: “The brief circumstances of her sad death are that the Yorkshire Ambulance Service were called to a house in Huddersfield regarding an unresponsive teenager.”
She continued: “CRT [cardiac resynchronisation therapy] was commenced and Casey was admitted to the Calderdale Royal Hospital where she was initially unresponsive and unconscious. She was taken for scans and CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation] was commenced as she then suffered four cardiac arrests.”
The teenager was pronounced dead at 2.18am on 12 August. Casey-Louise, who was born in Oldham on 10 March 2012, was formally identified through photographic evidence given to detectives.
Post Mortem Fails to Establish Cause
A post mortem examination has been carried out but failed to establish a formal cause of death, leaving investigators waiting for toxicology results and a second autopsy. Assistant coroner Peter Merchant adjourned the inquest ahead of a full hearing on 26 February 2026 at the request of police.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “We are continuing to conduct a number of enquiries following the death of a 13-year-old girl following an incident at a flat on Sheepridge Road.
She added: “A post mortem was not able to determine how she died, and we continue to treat her death as unexplained at this time, pending more enquiries. Those enquiries are complex and are likely to be lengthy as we work to fully understand the circumstances of the girl’s death.”
Victim in Care System
Casey-Louise was a pupil at Mossley Hollins High School in Tameside, Greater Manchester, but had been living in Liverpool at the time of her death. Police confirmed she had been visiting Huddersfield the day before she died and was understood to have been in the care system.
In a heartbreaking statement, the school said teachers and classmates were “deeply saddened” by the tragedy. The tribute read: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Casey-Louise, a one-of-a-kind young person who brought spirit and warmth wherever she went.”
“Casey was bright, full of character, always full of life, and never afraid to be herself. Those lucky enough to know her saw what a big heart she had. She was funny, sweet, had a smile that could brighten anyone’s day and will be deeply missed by our school community.
Family’s Emotional Tribute
Casey-Louise’s devastated family issued their own tribute, saying: “Suddenly and totally unexpected, on Tuesday 12th August our beautiful Casey-Louise gained her angel wings. Our family is absolutely devastated by this news. Can you please respect our privacy and give us time to grieve as a family.”
A tribute from her best friend Cole read: “RIP Casey you’ll be missed so much. Can’t believe you left us so early, you’re flying with the angels now, fly high, love you lots my thunder buddie in the sky.”
New photographs shared by loved ones show Casey-Louise tenderly holding her baby sister, highlighting the caring nature of the teenager whose life was cut tragically short.
Safeguarding Review Launched
An urgent safeguarding review has been launched by Tameside Council following the tragedy, with the local authority confirming they were Casey-Louise’s “corporate parent.
A spokesperson said: “As a council and corporate parent, we are deeply saddened by the death of Casey-Louise and our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the communities of which she was such an important part.”
The council added: “We recognise the profound impact this loss will have on many young people and families, and we are working with partners to ensure that support is available to those who need it. This is a complex and ongoing investigation which we are fully supporting and, as with any tragic incident of this kind, a safeguarding rapid review will take place.”
The rapid review must be completed within 15 days and aims to identify any immediate actions needed following the serious safeguarding incident. It will also determine if a more in-depth investigation is required.
Support for School Community
Mossley Hollins High School has announced that Educational Psychology teams will be present when the new term begins in September to offer pupils and staff emotional support, guidance and a safe space for anyone who needs to talk.
The school encouraged “open and compassionate conversations at home and in school” and pledged to help in any way possible as the community grapples with the loss.
Community Response
A GoFundMe page has been established to support Casey-Louise’s family with funeral expenses, raising over £2,000 (approximately $2,600). Organiser Tina Cooper wrote: “I am fundraising for this beautiful young lady Casey-Louise, who was tragically taken away from her family. Casey was a vibrant, happy 13-year-old with all her life ahead of her. Let’s help her family send their daughter on her final journey with dignity.”
The fundraising page has seen an outpouring of support from the community, with donations continuing to pour in as locals rally around the grieving family.
Investigation Continues
West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide team continues to lead the investigation, with specially trained officers supporting Casey-Louise’s family during this difficult time. The force has described the investigation as “complex” and warned it is likely to be “lengthy.
The 16-year-old boy arrested in connection with Casey-Louise’s death was released on conditional bail on 15 August. He remains under investigation for both the alleged rape and murder of Casey-Louise and the separate alleged rape of another teenager in Kirklees.
Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal said: “This is a tragic case and my thoughts remain with the 13-year-old teenager and her family and friends. I have been in contact with the police and I am being updated on the investigation.
As the investigation continues and the community awaits answers, Casey-Louise is remembered as a bright, caring soul who touched the lives of everyone around her, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew her.
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