The family of a 24-year-old woman killed in her home have paid an emotional tribute to the young mother. Kirandeep Kaur, originally from India, was fatally attacked at her home in Hayes, west London, on the morning of July 12. A man has been charged with her murder.
Family's Emotional Tribute
Speaking through a translator from the Majha region of Punjab, India, Kaur's sister Gursharan, 21, told the BBC her sibling was 'everything' to her. Gursharan said her sister came to London looking for a better job so she could support her family. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with funeral arrangements, stating: 'Kirandeep Kaur was a 24-year-old student from Punjab, India, who came to the UK with hopes of building a better future for herself and the family she had left behind. Kirandeep’s sudden death has left her young baby without a mother and her family in India devastated, burdened by grief and the significant debts incurred to support her future.'
Details of the Attack
Daniel Sean James, 46, allegedly attacked Kaur in her own home on Uxbridge Road, Hayes, on July 12. According to prosecutors, James allegedly walked through a playing field dressed all in black and carrying a large knife, caught on CCTV and doorbell cameras approaching three different addresses. He allegedly came up behind a man in his 20s in the street and stabbed him in the back. Minutes later, at around 7.51am, he allegedly kicked at the door of the home Kaur shared with her husband and three-month-old baby, and broke in while they were asleep. The husband awoke to a scream from his wife and saw a figure leaving the bedroom, prosecutor Charlene Sumnall told the Old Bailey.
Suspect's Arrest and Charges
Two minutes after the attack, James exited the property by jumping out of a window from the kitchen-living room area, breaking both ankles. He allegedly tried to flee but collapsed after 10 metres. Police arrived at the scene within about 24 minutes of the first sighting. Kaur suffered a stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 8.26am. The court was told both victims were complete strangers to the defendant, who was treated in hospital before being taken into custody. James was charged with Kaur's murder, attempted murder of the man in his 20s, and possession of a blade.
Court Appearance
On Thursday, James, of Mercer Place, Pinner, appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink from Wormwood Scrubs. Judge Nigel Lickley KC set a plea hearing for October 1 and a provisional three-week trial from April 5 next year. James spoke only to confirm his identity and was remanded into custody. The local community, led by Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall, has come together to offer practical and financial assistance during this unimaginable time.
