Groom stabbed to death: man charged with murder
A 22-year-old man is due to appear in court today (Monday 6 July) charged with the murder of a stable worker.
The victim, named locally as 21-year-old Laura Davies, was stabbed multiple times in Pitsea Hall Lane, near Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society (EHPPS) where she worked, on Friday (3 July).
Essex Police were called to the scene at 8.15pm, but Laura died from her injuries.
Over the weekend, Jordan Taylor, 22, of Churchill Avenue, Basildon, was charged with murdering a woman in Pitsea.
Taylor is due to appear at before magistrates in Basildon today.
A 20-year-old man was also arrested in connection with the incident and has been released without charge.
The charity where Laura worked published a tribute to her on their Facebook page on Saturday (4 July).
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It said: “Most of you will have read in the press by now at the sad death of one of our team, Laura Davies, last night.
“Laura was dedicated, caring, compassionate and hard working with a true love for all the animals here at the Sanctuary. They certainly loved her very much too.
“A beautiful and very special girl who will be so missed by us all. Our thoughts are with Laura’s family at this time; we can’t begin to imagine their heartache.
“It has been our privilege and honour to have had Laura as part of our team.”
It added: “Sleep in peace lovely girl.”
Paton and Lee Equine Veterinary Surgery in Essex also paid tribute to the 21-year-old.
A statement from the surgery published on social media said their thoughts and prayers are with all at EHPPS and with Laura’s family and friends.
It said: “This is a terrible blow for the sanctuary and we know that everyone there is in such shock.
“They all do fantastic work rescuing and caring for horses and ponies across Essex.
“Laura was a brilliant, kind and caring person who dedicated herself to horses and ponies treated cruelty by the worst in society.”
The statement went on to say that they felt the best way to support the charity and Laura’s legacy is to donate to the EHPPS and urged their clients to do the same.
It added: “So sad. So pointless. Such a waste of a young, bright life.”
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.
DCI Marina Ericson, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, who is leading the investigation, urged anyone who was in the area of the horse sanctuary or Wat Tyler Park around the time of the murder to contact Essex Police.
Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.