The family of 14-year-old Lilly Jones, who was found dead in a park in South Wales, has paid tribute to her as a 'beautiful person'. Lilly was discovered in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on June 22 after she was reported missing two days earlier.
Charges and Court Proceedings
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, has been charged with murder and is due to stand trial in November. He appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on June 29, where Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke fixed a trial date of November 23. The defendant, from the Blaenau Gwent area, was previously described by police as white British.
Family Tribute
On Thursday evening, Lilly's family issued a tribute through Gwent Police. They said: 'As a family, the word “heartbroken” doesn’t come close to what we feel. We’d like to focus more on Lilly and what a beautiful person she is rather than the horrific thing she’s been forced to endure.'
'Lilly is the most beautiful, kind and caring little girl we had the privilege to call our daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend. She is completely and utterly herself, she’s quirky and confident, sassy and dramatic and loves her music.'
'Her eclectic taste in music took us from My Chemical Romance to Kate Bush and absolutely unapologetically sang every word on the top of her voice, no matter who’s listening. We could write a book about how amazing and accepting of all types of people she is, advocating for anyone who needed her to.'
'Our loss has left an unimaginable hole in not only our lives but in the whole community.'
Investigation and Cause of Death
An inquest opening at Gwent Coroner’s Court on Monday heard Lilly is believed to have died from multiple stab wounds. She was reported missing from her home address in Blaina on the evening of June 20. Her body was discovered in a woodland location, with injuries to her chest and neck, shortly after 10pm on June 22. A post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death as multiple stab wounds to the neck and trunk.
Lilly's family also thanked the community for support and donations. Floral tributes have been left near Pilgrims Park in Blaina in her memory.
