The teenage boy suspected of the rape and murder of 13-year-old Casey-Louise Horrocks is back home behaving ‘like he doesn’t have a care in the world,’ according to neighbours.
The schoolgirl was found by paramedics ‘unresponsive’ last Monday night. She died later in hospital.
West Yorkshire Police arrested the boy, who lives in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on suspicion of Casey-Louise’s rape and murder and the alleged rape of another local girl, aged 16.
He was released on conditional police bail pending further enquiries on Friday, August 15.
A neighbour said: ‘I saw him come home on Friday lunchtime and he can’t have spent more than 15 minutes in the house before he was heading out again.
‘He left through the gate and jogged away, probably off to meet his mates.
‘He is acting like he doesn’t have a care in the world.’
Casey-Louise Horrocks pictured cradling her baby sister, Mia
Friends and relatives have been sharing memories of Casey-Louise online
The ‘caring soul’ was a pupil at Mossley Hollins High School, in Manchester
Another local said: ‘He is well known in the area and you would think he would be keeping a low profile under the circumstances.
‘I mean, a young lass has died and I think he should show a bit more respect. Maybe stop in and not go out so much.’
Today new photographs of Casey-Louise, including one of her cradling what is believed to be her baby sister, Mia, were posted by friends and relatives on a tribute site online.
A link to the site, posted on Facebook by Anthony Barton Funeral Directors, encouraged people to share memories, poems and pictures of the ‘bright, caring soul who touched the lives of everyone around her.’
Among those leaving their ‘thoughts’ was Casey-Louise’s ‘best mate’, named Cole, who wrote: ‘RIP Casey you’ll be missed so much. Can’t believe you left us so early your (sic) flying with the angels now, fly high love you lots my thunder buddie in the sky.’
Her Auntie Dani added that she missed her ‘so much,’ saying: ‘Forever 13. Love you so much bubba xxxx.’
While Paula Mills wrote: ‘Fly high with the angels beautiful girl. I hope there’s an amazing afterlife waiting for you where all your hopes and dreams come true. #foreveryoung#forever13.’
While another contributor added: ‘You’ve left a massive hole in the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Sweet dreams Casey, you’ll be sadly missed xx.’
Casey-Louise was ‘deeply loved’ and will be ‘much missed,’ her friends posted online
She was being looked after in local authority care at the time of her death
Casey-Louise with an unnamed friend in a picture posted onto the GoFundMe fundraising site
In a statement, Mossley Hollins High School, in Manchester, where Casey-Louise was a pupil, said they were ‘heartbroken’ at the death of the ‘big-hearted’ youngster.
‘We are heartbroken by the loss of Casey‑Louise, a one-of-a-kind young person who brought spirit and warmth wherever she went,’ the statement said.
‘Casey was bright, full of character, always full of life, and never afraid to be herself. Those lucky enough to know her saw what a big heart she had.
‘She was funny, sweet, had a smile that could brighten anyone’s day and will be deeply missed by our school community.
‘This heartbreaking news has deeply affected our community and as we come to terms with this loss, our thoughts are with Casey-Louise’s family, loved ones and all those impacted at this incredibly difficult time.’
Pupils will be offered emotional support when they return in September, the statement added.
Casey-Louise was found unresponsive by emergency services just after 11.30pm last Monday, August 11.
She was taken to hospital but died in the early hours of the following day.
A postmortem was inconclusive and it is understood police are awaiting the results of toxiocology tests and a second autopsy to try and establish her cause of death.
Originally from Manchester, Casey-Louise was in local authority care when she died.
She had been living in Liverpool and was just visiting Huddersfield at the time of her death.
Friend Tina Cooper also set up an online fundraiser for the youngster’s funeral. So far more than £2,000 has been donated.
She said: ‘Casey was a vibrant happy 13-year-old with all her life ahead of her.
‘Our hearts go out to Casey’s family. No one should have to bury their child. Let’s help her family send their daughter on her final journey with dignity.’
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, previously said: ‘A post-mortem was not able to determine how she died, and we continue to treat her death as unexplained at this time, pending more enquiries.
‘Those enquiries are complex and are likely to be lengthy as we work to fully understand the circumstances of the girl’s death. Specially trained officers are supporting her family at this time.’
The news of Casey-Louise’s death has sent shockwaves through the town.
Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal said: ‘This is a tragic case and my thoughts remain with the 13-year-old teenager and her family and friends. I have been in contact with the police and I am being updated on the investigation.’
