Boyfriend appears in court accused of murder after Canadian woman stabbed to death
3 February 2022, 07:49 | Updated: 3 February 2022, 14:21
A man has been charged with murder after a 19-year-old Canadian woman was stabbed to death in a cul-de-sac in Essex.
Ashley Wadsworth, 19, was discovered with knife wounds following a 'disturbance' at an address in Tennyson Road, Chelmsford, Essex, at 4pm on Tuesday.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 23-year-old man arrested at the scene has been charged with murder, Essex police said today.
Jack Sepple, 23, of Tennyson Road, Chelmsford, appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court and was held in custody ahead of another court appearance tomorrow.
Police confirmed Ashley was from Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.
The victim's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Read more: Sunak set to offer help as millions brace for crippling '50% rise' in energy bills
Read more: Voters to choose successor to Sir David Amess in Thursday's by-election
A neighbour told the MailOnline: "The police were talking about stab injuries. But the medics couldn’t save her. It was awful to watch."
Larissa Kontos, a friend from Canada, posted an emotional tribute on Facebook. She said Ashley had been due to fly home today.
She said: "I've been trying to come up with words for hours. I have wrote out a post and then deleted it.
"Because nothing I say will bring you back.
"I will miss our conversations, you were always messaging me telling me the newest thing you saw on how a person can get pregnant! I will miss seeing your smile and beautiful face!
"You will be truly missed by so many. Shine bright girly."
Ms Kontos added: "She was a 19-year-old beautiful soul. She had a ticket for this Thursday to come back home to people whom lover her dearly."
Read more: Boris Johnson 'faces 12k fines for party breaches' as three more Tories call for him to go
Read more: Deputy leader of Reclaim Party mistakes what party he's Deputy Leader of
Another friend, Tianna Kowalchuk, wrote on Facebook: "Probably one of the worst feelings is losing your best friend.
"A best friend is more than a boyfriend, a sibling and even a parent.
"A best friend is someone you can genuinely tell everything to... it's someone you always feel comfortable around.
She added: "God has you in his hands now, we have you in our hearts forever."
