More tests are needed to establish why solicitor Sally Clark died suddenly four years after being cleared of murdering her baby sons, a coroner has been told.
Two Home Office pathologists had concluded Mrs Clark, 42, of Hatfield Peverel, Essex, probably died of natural causes, coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray heard at the inquest opening in Chelmsford, Essex .
But further medical tests were needed to be sure, the hearing was told.
Mrs Clark was found guilty of murdering eight-week-old Harry and 11-week-old Christopher following a trial at Chester Crown Court in 1999. She served more than three years in jail before being cleared by the Court of Appeal in 2003.
Mrs Clark was found dead at her home on Friday.
Coroner's officer Steve Harris told Mrs Beasley-Murray that Mrs Clark's body was found by a friend.
He said Home Office pathologists David Rouse and Nat Cary, who had been instructed by the Clark family, had examined Mrs Clark's body. "The cause of death appeared to be natural," Mr Harris told the coroner. "Further tests are required to reach a definitive cause."
Experts are understood to be carrying out toxicology tests and examining Mrs Clark's organs. Sources said it could be six weeks before results were known.
Once the tests have been completed, Mrs Beasley-Murray must decide whether a full inquest will be necessary.
The coroner adjourned the hearing to a date yet to be arranged.
