Teen, 18, charged with murdering schoolgirl Lainie Williams as trial date set

A teenager is set to face trial accused of murdering 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.

Cameron Cheng, 18, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday charged with killing Lainie Williams. Cheng, of Newbridge, Gwent, is also charged with the possession of a bladed article.

Appearing via video link from prison, Cheng, who is a British national, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, set a trial date for May 11, 2026, with a time estimate of two to three weeks.

Lainie and her mum 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.

He was remanded into custody.

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”.