Brother's Emotional Tribute to Murder Victim Karlie Sone
The brother of Karlie Sone, a devoted mother whose death has sparked a murder investigation, has delivered a heartfelt and emotional tribute, describing her as "genuinely one of the nicest people" anyone could ever hope to meet. Karlie Sone, aged 28 and also known as Karlie Day, was found unresponsive in a block of flats located in Ipswich, Suffolk, during the early hours of Tuesday last week. She was pronounced dead at the scene, with a post-mortem examination indicating her cause of death remains pending further investigation.
Family Remembers a Caring and Selfless Mother
Kris Sone, Karlie's older brother aged 32, spoke exclusively to the BBC, painting a poignant picture of his sister's character. He emphasised that Karlie was a deeply caring individual who always prioritised giving to others and would never intentionally cause harm. "She just always wanted to give and would never hurt anybody," Kris stated, his voice filled with emotion. He highlighted her devotion to her two young children, noting they were her primary motivation in life. "They were her main driver to get her out of bed in the morning and to go and seize the day; she was the most devoted mum," he explained.
Karlie, who had a passion for music and harboured dreams of becoming a nursery practitioner, was one of five siblings. Kris, who has served with the Army Cadet Force for nearly a decade, received the devastating news of his sister's death in the early hours of that Tuesday. He described the phone call as "definitely a shock," contrasting it with the expected passing of older relatives. "When it's your 28-year-old sister who you'd literally spoken to a couple of days ago, it is so much more of a shock," he shared. The tragedy has left the family grappling with unanswered questions and profound grief.
Community Support and Legal Proceedings
In the wake of Karlie's death, the community has rallied in support. Floral tributes have been placed outside the flats where she was found, and a vigil was held in her memory at Landseer Park in Ipswich, featuring a release of balloons. A fundraising initiative established to cover funeral expenses and support her two daughters has already garnered over £20,000 in donations. Kris expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging that while no sum of money can replace their loss, it will provide crucial assistance for the children's future. "Those girls are going to need so much in their life and it will help them to get a fresh start," he said, vowing the family's commitment to supporting them through the difficult years ahead.
Paul Stevenson, aged 39, was arrested shortly after Karlie was discovered and has since been formally charged with her murder. Stevenson appeared at Ipswich Crown Court, where a trial date was set for September 24, with the proceedings predicted to last seven days. A plea and trial preparation hearing is scheduled for May. Stevenson has not yet entered a plea regarding the charges.
A Family United in Grief
Last week, Karlie's wider family also shared their memories, remembering her as an "amazing, loving mummy" whose absence has created an "unfillable void." Jon Parker, the husband of Karlie's stepsister, spoke to BBC Suffolk, describing the collective grief as unimaginable. "It's just unimaginable grief, sadness, and shock because you don't prepare for a situation like this and there's nothing you can say or do," he stated. He noted that every family member is processing the tragedy in their own way, with the reality of the loss still feeling surreal for many. The family remains united, supporting one another as they navigate this devastating period, determined to honour Karlie's memory and ensure the best possible future for her beloved children.
