A TEEN boy has been charged with stabbing a schoolgirl to death and knifing her mum in a horror attack.
Lainie Williams, 17, was discovered dead at her home in Cefn Fforest, South Wales, on Thursday morning.
Her mum Rhian Stephens, 38, was left with serious injuries following the horror but has now been discharged from hospital.
Gwent Police has charged British national Cameron Cheng, 18, with murder and attempted murder as part of our ongoing investigation in Cefn Fforest.
He was also charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place and is remanded to appear before Newport Magistrates’ Court on Monday 17 November.
Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said in an update this evening: “We understand that there has been a great deal of interest in this investigation.
“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.
“Even though we’ve reached this significant development in the investigation, our enquiries continue so it is likely that residents will continue to see officers in the area.
“So if anyone has any information, please speak to our officers or contact us in the usual way.”
The force previously confirmed the suspect and Lainie are believed to be known to each other.
The suspect allegedly burst into the family home at around 7.15am after Rhian’s boyfriend had left for work.
Lainie’s great-grandmother Florence Jones, 78, told how she fought for her life after she was attacked in her bedroom.
Her eight-year-old brother hid under his bed after hearing Lainie’s screams.
Florence said: “I’m in total shock, she was a lovely bubbly girl.
“She lived with me for the last few years, I can’t believe what’s happened.
“Things like this don’t happen in our family.”
Armed police swooped on the family’s three-bedroom home and the air ambulance was scrambled.
Tragically, Lainie was declared dead at the scene as her mum Rhian was rushed to hospital.
Tributes have flooded in for the schoolgirl, whose devastated family described her as “so loved”.
Her cousin wrote on social media: “There’s not enough words, rest peacefully our brave and beautiful cousin Lainie. Very fond childhood memories I’ll cherish forever.”
Her friends also told of their heartbreak, with one writing: “No words. Rest in peace beautiful girl, I will cherish our memories as kids forever.”
Another said: “It was a pleasure to know you beautiful. Rest in Paradise.’”
The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to go towards funeral costs.
Her cousin Shania wrote: “We are heartbroken to share the sad passing of our beautiful Lainie Williams, whose life was tragically taken far too soon.
“As her family navigates this unimaginable loss, we are hoping to come together as a community to help ease the financial burden of giving Lainie the beautiful send-off she deserves.
“Any donation—big or small—will make a meaningful difference and will be deeply appreciated by her loved ones.
“Thank you for your kindness, support, and prayers during this devastating time.”
