The heartbroken family of a 13-year-old girl whose alleged rape and murder is being investigated by homicide detectives have paid a moving tribute to their ‘beautiful princess’.
Casey-Louise has been named by relatives online as the tragic teenager whose lifeless body was discovered at a flat in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on Monday August 11.
She was taken to hospital but died in the early hours of the following day.
Detectives immediately launched an murder inquiry and earlier this week a 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with her death. He has since been released on conditional bail.
Casey-Louise, who was originally from Manchester, was in local authority care when she died.
She had been living in Liverpool and had been visiting Huddersfield at the time.
In a tribute online, one relative wrote: ‘Suddenly and totally unexpected, on Tuesday 12th August our beautiful Casey-Louise gained her angel winds.
‘Our family is absolutely devastated by this news. Can you please respect our privacy and give us time to grieve as a family.’
The youngster was a pupil at Mossley Hollins High School, in Manchester.
The girl has been named by relatives online as 13-year-old Casey-Louise
Casey-Louise with an unnamed friend in a picture posted onto the GoFundMe fundraising site
A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Huddersfield after police were called to a flat in Sheepridge Road (pictured) on Monday night at 11.36pm
The teenager was arrested on suspicion of rape and murder of the 13-year-old, plus the alleged rape of another 16-year-old girl in Kirklees (Pictured: a police car on on Sheepridge Road, Huddersfield)
Casey-Louise was found unresponsive at the flat, in Sheepridge Road, by emergency services just after 11.30pm.
A post-mortem was inconclusive and her death is being treated as unexplained.
Detectives arrested the boy on suspicion of Casey-Louise’s rape and murder, and on suspicion of the rape of another 16-year-old girl elsewhere in nearby Kirklees.
In a tribute on Facebook, one close family member wrote: ‘Goodnight princess. I love you and miss you lots.’
Another shared: ‘Didn’t think I’d be writing this so soon, I love you forever my girl. I’ll forever miss you.’
While one relative posted: ‘Angry doesn’t even cut it. Hope we get the justice our family deserves. Rest in peace little girl, Casey-Louise forever 13.’
Friend Tina Cooper also set up an online fundraiser for donations towards the youngster’s funeral.
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.’
