A 14-year-old boy has appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday morning accused of the murder of a teenage girl. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke only to confirm his identity and did not enter a plea.
Victim identified as Lilly Jones
The body of Lilly Jones, also 14, was discovered in woodland near Duffryn Park in Blaina on Monday, June 22. She died as a result of multiple stab wounds to her neck and chest. The defendant has been charged with her murder and has been remanded in custody.
Inquest details
An inquest opening at Gwent Coroners' Court in Newport heard Lilly was reported missing at 10.19pm on June 20. Her body was found near Blaina Bowls Club at 10.07pm on June 22. Emergency services were called, but she was pronounced dead at 10.45pm on June 22, identified through DNA.
A post-mortem examination by Dr Richard Jones gave a provisional cause of death as multiple stab wounds to the neck and trunk. Senior coroner Caroline Saunders said: "As a result of that information and given Lilly Jones has died a traumatic death, it falls to be investigated under the terms of an inquest and I formally open an inquest. The matter will be adjourned so further enquiries can be made."
Family tribute
Following Lilly's formal identification, her family said: "As a family the word 'heartbroken' doesn't come close to what we feel. We'd like to focus more on Lilly and what a beautiful person she is rather than the horrific thing she's been forced to endure."
They described her as "the most beautiful, kind, and caring little girl" who was "quirky and confident, sassy and dramatic" and loved music. They added: "Our loss has left an unimaginable hole in not only our lives but in the whole community."
Police appeal
Detective chief inspector Steven Thomas from Gwent Police said: "Our thoughts remain with Lilly's family and friends at this difficult time. Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers. I want to reiterate that 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."
The defendant cannot be named for legal reasons and should not be identified by anyone on social media. A provisional inquest date was set for April 6, 2027, but the inquest is paused pending the outcome of the police investigation.
