An inquest has revealed that 14-year-old Lilly Anne Jones sustained multiple stab wounds to her neck and trunk before her body was discovered in Duffryn Park, Blaina, on June 22. The teenager had been reported missing from her home two days earlier, on the evening of June 20.
Discovery and Injuries
Lilly was found shortly after 10pm on June 22 in a wooded area near the bowls club. Senior coroner Caroline Saunders told Gwent Coroner's Court that a post-mortem examination by Dr Richard Jones gave a provisional cause of death as 1A multiple stab wounds to the neck and trunk. The coroner adjourned the matter for further inquiries and set a provisional inquest date of April 6, 2027.
Suspect and Court Proceedings
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with Lilly's murder. He appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on June 19 before Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, who scheduled a trial to begin on November 23, expected to last four weeks. The youth, from the Blaenau Gwent area, did not enter a plea and was remanded into custody. Police described him as white British.
Community and School Response
Lilly was a student at Brynmawr Foundation School. Head teacher Gerard McNamara said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of one of our pupils, Lilly Jones. She was a valued member of our school community, known for her kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality. Her loss will be felt profoundly by students, staff, and all who knew her." Floral tributes were placed near the location of her death by members of the public.
