Major replace after woman, 17, dies in pool of blood at house as mum capable of escape

A teen has been charged as a schoolgirl died in a pool of blood after being attacked inside her home, with her mum able to escape the horror.

Cameron Cheng, 18, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of 17-year-old Lainie Williams in Cefn Fforest, Wales.

Gwent Police said Cheng from Newbridge has been charged and remanded to appear before Newport Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 17. Lainie Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed her identity on Saturday night.

A 38-year-old woman believed to be Lainie’s mum has now been discharged from hospital after sustaining injuries in the attack, Gwent Police confirmed. Specially trained officers continue to support the family of the dead teenager.

Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said: “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.”

Lainie, described as the “loveliest person” was found in a pool of her own blood in her house near Blackwood, South Wales.

Mum Rhian Stephens, 38, was also injured in the attack though she managed to escape. One local said: “Lainie was the loveliest, kindest person who had a lot of friends. The girls are in bits.”

The violence broke out at about 7am just before sunrise at the tight-knit community. Neighbours said they awoke to sirens and helicopters.

Local Michelle Davies said: “It is terrible. That poor girl had everything to live for and now she is gone. At least the mother survived but she will never get over what she witnessed.”

Lainie was pronounced dead at the scene. Detective Superintendent Philip O’Connell, the senior investigating officer, previously said: “We can confirm that we’re not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident after making this arrest earlier.

“We understand that reports of this nature can be concerning, and it is likely that residents will see an increased number of officers in the area while we carry out further enquires. If anyone has any information, please speak to our officers or contact us in the usual way.”

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