A teenager accused of murdering a schoolgirl and attempting to kill her mother during a horror attack at their family home has appeared in court.
Cameron Cheng, 18, appeared before Newport Magistrates’ Court charged with killing 17-year-old Lainie Williams who was found dead on Thursday morning.
Cheng, of Newbridge, Gwent, is also accused of the attempted murder of Lainie’s mother, 38-year-old Rhian Stephens, and possession of a bladed article.
Ms Stephens was left with serious injuries but has now been discharged from hospital.
Cheng, who was previously in a relationship with Lainie, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a brief hearing today.
Magistrates sent the case to Cardiff Crown Court and Cheng, who is a British national, is due to appear again before a judge on Tuesday.
Christine Farrington, presiding justice, said: ‘As you heard this case is so serious it must be sent automatically to the crown court.
‘The next hearing will be at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday. You will be remanded into custody until that time.’
The charges relate to an alleged incident in Wheatley Place, Cefn Fforest, Gwent on November 13 after police responded to reports that two people had been injured.
Cameron Cheng, 18, appeared before Newport Magistrates’ Court charged with killing Lainie Williams
Lainie Williams (pictured) was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident on Wheatley Place in the Cefn Fforest area of Blackwood, Gwent, on November 13
In touching tributes, Lainie’s family described how the teenager was ‘so loved’.
Her cousin Megan 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.
‘You were and still are so loved.’
Meanwhile friends told of their devastation, with one writing: ‘No words. Rest in peace beautiful girl, I will cherish our memories as kids forever.’
A second added: ‘It was a pleasure to know you beautiful. Rest in Paradise.’
The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to go towards funeral costs.
Armed police were called to the family’s three-bedroom former council house in the village of Cefn Fforest.
Paramedics arrived in an air ambulance but were sadly unable to save Lainie, and she was declared dead at the scene.
Police at the scene on Wheatley Place in the Cefn Fforest area of Blackwood, Gwent, on Thursday morning
Cefn Fforest Councillor Shane Williams said: ‘We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have unfolded.
‘As councillors, we’d like to do our best to reassure everyone, and our thoughts are with the family at this time.
‘We are all hoping for a full recovery for the woman who was hospitalised. Something like this is highly unusual in this area, and I can understand if many residents are now frightened.
‘When a young girl loses her life like that, it’s quite horrendous.’
