A devastated mother has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her 17-year-old daughter who was tragically stabbed to death in her own bedroom in South Wales.
Lainie Williams was discovered dead at her family home in Cefn Fforest during the early hours of November 13, in a violent incident that also left her mother, Rhian Stephens, 38, with stab wounds requiring hospital treatment.
Emotional Tribute to a 'Beautiful Girl'
In an emotional social media post, Ms Stephens expressed her profound grief, stating she was 'still coming to terms with the tragic loss of my beautiful girl Lainie Lea Louise'.
The heartbroken mother shared cherished memories of her daughter, writing: 'I knew you better than most and the memories we share will always be able to replay in my head like my personal home video.'
She recalled their special moments together: 'I miss sneaking in your bed and watching horror movies or trying to solve the cases of Law and Order! I miss you coming to give me a kiss goodnight every night without fail.'
Ms Stephens poignantly added: 'I lost my most prized possession, you! My baby boy is missing you too. The home we'd made for you, me and your brother isn't our home anymore, it's a crime scene.'
Community Support and Legal Proceedings
Cameron Cheng, 18, has been charged with the murder of Lainie Williams and the attempted murder of her mother. The British national appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, where he also faced a charge of possession of a bladed article.
Appearing via video link from prison, Cheng spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He has been remanded in custody and will next appear in court on December 12.
Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, has set a trial date for May 11, 2026, with proceedings expected to last two to three weeks.
Mother's Plea to Other Parents
In her moving tribute, Ms Stephens issued an urgent warning to other parents, urging them to watch for changes in their children's behaviour.
'Guys please look after your sons and daughters and look for subtle changes in their moods,' she wrote. 'Sit there with a cuppa and check in on them. I'd never want another mum to experience this type of pain.'
She directly addressed teenagers, saying: 'If you're currently suffering in a relationship, speak up tell your parents they will listen. Don't let Lainie die in vain because all too quickly it could end up like this scenario again and again.'
The family has received overwhelming community support, with dozens of friends and relatives updating their social media profiles in tribute to Lainie.
Her cousin Megan wrote: 'There's not enough words, rest peacefully our brave and beautiful cousin Lainie. Very fond childhood memories I'll cherish forever. You were and still are so loved.'
A GoFundMe campaign established to cover funeral costs has raised more than £12,000, significantly exceeding expectations as the community rallies around the grieving family.
Armed police were called to the family's three-bedroom former council house in the village of Cefn Fforest. Despite paramedics arriving via air ambulance, they were unable to save Lainie, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Local councillor Shane Williams expressed the community's shock, stating: 'We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have unfolded. Something like this is highly unusual in this area, and I can understand if many residents are now frightened.'
He added: 'When a young girl loses her life like that, it's quite horrendous.'
