Gwent Police have charged a 14-year-old boy with the murder of a 14-year-old girl whose body was discovered in Duffryn Park, Blaina, Wales. The suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Newport Magistrates Court on Friday, June 26.
Discovery of the Body
The body was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on Monday, June 22, at approximately 10:10 PM. While formal identification is pending, police believe the body is that of Lilly, a 14-year-old girl who had been reported missing. Her family has been informed of the development.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
According to a Gwent Police spokesperson, the teenager from the Blaenau Gwent area was arrested after the body was found. He has been charged with murder and cannot be named due to legal restrictions. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorized the charge. Jenny Hopkins of the CPS stated: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Gwent Police to charge a 14-year-old boy with the offence of murder. The defendant cannot be named for legal reasons. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this person are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Police Appeal and Ongoing Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas expressed condolences to Lilly's family and urged the public to be mindful of their online comments. He said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Lilly at this difficult time. We understand that there has been a great deal of interest in this ongoing investigation. It is vital that people consider how their language, especially comments made online, could affect our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice. Even though we’ve reached this significant development in our investigation, our enquiries continue and you will still see a significant police presence in the area. Examinations of scenes will be continuing over the coming days, including at Duffryn Park, where cordons remain in place. I would like to thank local residents for their continued support and those impacted by the cordons for their patience during this time."
Police are asking anyone with CCTV footage or information to contact them on 101, quoting log reference 2600194414, or via social media. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
