Teen in courtroom after woman died in pool of blood ‘attempting to guard mum’ in Cefn Fforest
Cameron Cheng, 18 has appeared in court charged with the murder of Lainie Williams, 17, who was found dead in her bedroom after a horror attack at her family home in South Wales
A teenager has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 17-year-old schoolgirl. Cameron Cheng, 18 from Newbridge is accused of murdering Lainie Williams and the attempted murder of her mum, Rhian Stephens, 38.
Both suffered stab wounds after the horror attack at their home in Cefn Fforest, near Blackwood in South Wales around 7.15am on November 13.
Police were alerted and rushed to the scene, where they found Lainie with multiple stab wounds and was later pronounced dead. Cheng, a British national, appeared before Newport Magistrate’s Court this morning and was also charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was remanded into custody as magistrates sent the case to Cardiff Crown Court. He 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.”
Lainie’s heartbroken grandfather revealed how she had bravely instructed her eight-year-old brother to take cover under the bed before being attacked.
Neighbours were roused by the sounds of sirens, helicopters and banging on doors.
One local described the teen as “the loveliest, kindest person who had a lot of friends.”
Another 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’s cousin Megan paid tribute to her saying: “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.”
Scores of relatives and friends have changed their social media profiles to honour the teenager, with many displaying a pink heart emblazoned with ‘Lainie Williams, forever 17’ or ‘Justice for Lainie’.
Another loved one penned: “No words. Rest in peace beautiful girl, I will cherish our memories as kids forever. Sending so much [love] to my family.”
Mother-of-two Rhian is understood to have resided in the semi-detached property where the shocking incident occurred for no less than five years.
Local residents portrayed her as a “caring person but who kept herself to herself”.
Cefn Fforest councillor, Cllr Shane Williams, said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have unfolded, and I understand that the police are not looking for anyone else in connection. But 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.”
