The mother of a teenager found stabbed to death in her own home has broken her silence with a heartbreaking tribute, describing her daughter as her 'most prized possession'. Lainie Williams, 17, was discovered dead at a property on Wheatley Place in Cefn Fforest, South Wales, on Thursday morning.
Court Appearance and Charges
Cameron Cheng, an 18-year-old from Newbridge, Gwent, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday charged with Lainie's murder. The British national, who appeared via video link from prison, is also accused of the attempted murder of Lainie's mother, Rhian Stephens, 38, and possession of a bladed article.
Ms Stephens was found with serious injuries at the scene and was taken to hospital, but has since been discharged. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, set a trial date for May 11, 2026, which is estimated to last two to three weeks.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Tribute
In an emotional social media post, Rhian Stephens shared her profound grief. "I'm still coming to terms with the tragic loss of my beautiful girl Lainie Lea Louise," she wrote. "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 intimate moments, saying she missed sneaking into her daughter's bed to watch horror movies and the nightly ritual of a goodnight kiss. "I miss you coming to give me a kiss goodnight every night without fail, telling me you love me and wrapping your arms round me and mine around you and telling you that I was so proud of you and you're beautiful," she shared.
Her tribute painted a picture of a home shattered by tragedy. "I lost my most prized possession, you! The home we'd made for you, me and your brother isn't our home anymore, it's a crime scene. Both your brother and myself are left with nothing but the clothes on our backs."
Community Shock and Police Appeal
The local community has been left reeling from the violent incident. Police were called to the address at approximately 7.15am on Thursday after reports that two people had sustained serious injuries.
Cefn Fforest Councillor Shane Williams expressed the community's shock, stating, "We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have unfolded... When a young girl loses her life like that, it's quite horrendous."
Lainie's cousin, Megan, also paid tribute, writing: "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."
Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend of Gwent Police issued a statement urging the public to be mindful of their online comments, emphasising that such language could affect the judicial process. She confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and that officers remain in the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwent Police by calling 101, quoting log reference 2500361653. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers.
