The heartbreaking details have sent shockwaves through those who knew her, as questions grow over what happened in her final moments
TRAGIC LILLY
Schoolgirl Lilly Jones, 14, found dead in woodland died of ‘multiple stab wounds to neck & chest’, inquest hears
LILLY Jones died as a result of multiple stab wounds to her neck and chest after her body was found in woodland, an inquest has heard.
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder after the schoolgirl was found dead on June 22, two days after she vanished.
Lilly Jones body was found on June 22, two days after she went missingCredit: WNS
A 14-year-old boy was charged with her murderCredit: WNS
He remains in custody and a provisional trial date has been set for November 23.
An inquest into the 14-year-old’s death opened at Gwent Coroners’ Court in Newport today but has been adjourned until after the trial.
The court heard how Lilly was reported missing at 10.19pm on June 20 and her body was discovered two days later in woodland near Blaina Bowls Club, at 10.07pm.
The teen suffered injuries to her chest and neck, the inquest heard.
Police investigate an incident at Pilgrims Park, Blaina. Pic by Rob BrowneCredit: media Wales
Floral tributes have been left for Lilly Duffryn Park in BlainaCredit: media Wales
Senior coroner Caroline Saunders added that the emergency services scrambled to Duffryn Park but Lilly was pronounced dead at 10.45pm.
Following a post mortem, her provisional cause of death was said to be multiple stab wounds to the neck and trunk.
Ms Saunders said: “As a result of that information and given Lilly Jones has died a traumatic death it falls to be investigated under the terms of an inquest and I formally open an inquest.
“The matter will be adjourned so further enquiries can be made.
“The inquest is paused due to an ongoing police and criminal investigation. Once that investigation has concluded it will return to the coroners’ service to determine whether an inquest needs to be resumed.”
A provisional inquest date was given as April 6, 2027.
While no formal identification took place at the scene, she was later identified through DNA.
Following the identification, detective chief inspector Steven Thomas from Gwent Police said: “Our thoughts remain with Lilly’s family and friends at this difficult time. Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“I want to reiterate that 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.
“The defendant cannot be named for legal reasons and should not be done so by anyone else on social media platforms.
“We still have officers in the area and I’d like to thank the local community for the continued support they have shown us in the last week as we have been undertaking enquiries.”
Brynmawr Foundation School created a memorial area for Lilly. The school described her as someone known for her “kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality”.
The area is for her friends, teachers and classmates to lay flowers and tributes.
Headteacher Gerard McNamara said the school was “deeply saddened” to hear of Lilly’s death.
In a heartfelt tribute, it said: “The full tribute from the school read: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of one of our pupils, Lilly Jones.
“She was a valued member of our school community, known for her kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality.
“Her loss will be felt profoundly by students, staff, and all who knew her.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“The school is providing support to pupils and staff who have been affected and we are working closely with relevant agencies to ensure that help is available to anyone who needs it.”
Anyone with CCTV footage or information that could assist the investigation, can speak to police officers in person, or contact the force on 101, quoting log reference 2600194414.
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
