A teenager whose body was discovered in woodland died as a result of multiple stab wounds to her neck and chest, an inquest into her death has heard.
The body of 14-year-old Lilly Jones was found in Duffryn Park, Blaina, in Wales on Monday, June 22. A 15-year-old boy has since been charged with her murder and remanded in custody following his appearance in court, and a provisional trial date set for November 23.
Gwent Police confirmed that a formal identification of the body at Duffryn Park had taken place on June 30.
Inquest Details
On Monday, an inquest opening at Gwent Coroners' Court in Newport heard Lilly was reported missing at 10.19pm on June 20 and her body was discovered in woodland near Blaina Bowls Club, at 10.07pm on June 22. She had suffered injuries to her chest and neck.
Senior coroner Caroline Saunders said the emergency services were called but Lilly was pronounced dead at 10.45pm on June 22. She was identified through DNA and Ms Saunders said she was satisfied with this form of identification.
A post mortem examination was carried out by Dr Richard Jones, who provided a provisional cause of death as multiple stab wounds to the neck and trunk.
Ms 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."
The inquest is paused due to an ongoing police and criminal investigation. Once that investigation has concluded it will return to the coroners' service to determine whether an inquest needs to be resumed. A provisional inquest date was given as April 6, 2027.
Police Appeal and Community Response
Following Lilly's formal identification, 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 done so by anyone else on social media platforms. We still have officers in the area and I'd like to thank the local community for the continued support they have shown us in the last week as we have been undertaking enquiries.
Brynmawr Foundation School has created a memorial area for Lilly. The school described her as someone known for her "kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality".
The school have set up an area at the school where Lilly's friends, classmates, teachers and members of the community can lay flowers in tribute to her. The area is accessible to members of the public and is located near the visitors car park, the school said, reports Wales Online.
It comes after headteacher Gerard McNamara said the school was "deeply saddened" to hear about Lilly's death and said their thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.
The full tribute from the school read: "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. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The school is providing support to pupils and staff who have been affected and we are working closely with relevant agencies to ensure that help is available to anyone who needs it."
Nearly £20,000 has been raised in memory of Lilly Jones in the week since her body was found. The community in Blaina and further afield has rallied around to support the teenager's family.
A jumble sale has been held to help raise more money and local football teams have also organised a football festival to be held in Lilly's memory later this month.
Anyone with CCTV footage or information that could assist the investigation, can speak to police officers in person, or contact the force on 101, quoting log reference 2600194414. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
