Family of 'murdered' Lilly Jones who was found dead 500 yards from home pay tribute to 'the most beautiful, kind and caring little girl'

Published: 20:06, 9 July 2026 | Updated: 20:08, 9 July 2026 The family of a schoolgirl who was found dead in a park have paid tribute to 'the most beautiful and caring little girl' – after a 14–year–old boy was charged with her murder. Lilly Jones, 14, was discovered hidden in undergrowth 500 yards from her home in Blaina in Gwent, Wales three days after she was reported missing. A teenage boy has since appeared in Cardiff Crown Court accused of her murder and will stand trial later this month. Lilly's family have now shared a tragic tribute to the 'kind' and 'quirky' girl – saying the word 'heartbroken' does not come close to describing how they feel. The family said in a statement: 'Lilly is the most beautiful, kind and caring little girl we had the privilege to call our daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend. 'She is completely and utterly herself, she's quirky and confident, sassy and dramatic and loves her music. 'Her eclectic taste in music took us from My Chemical Romance to Kate Bush and absolutely unapologetically sang every word at the top of her voice, no matter who's listening. 'We could write a book about how amazing and accepting of all types of people she is, advocating for anyone who needed her to.' Lilly Jones (pictured), 14, was discovered 500 yards from her home in Blaina in Gwent, Wales three days after being reported missing Lilly's family have now shared a tragic tribute to the 'kind' and 'quirky' child – saying the word 'heartbroken' does 'not come close' to what they feel Floral tributes were left near Duffryn Park in Blaina after the body of Lilly was discovered in undergrowth The family added they wished to focus more on 'what a beautiful person' Lilly was rather than the circumstances surrounding her death. They said: 'Our loss has left an unimaginable hole in not only our lives but in the whole community. 'We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their never–ending support and donations.' Emergency services were called to Duffryn Park on the evening of June 22. Lilly was pronounced dead at the scene and later formally identified through DNA. A post–mortem examination provided a provisional cause of death as multiple stab wounds to the neck and trunk. Senior coroner Caroline 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. Her headteacher Gerard McNamara, of Brynmawr Foundation School, said her loss 'will be felt profoundly' by students and staff 'She was a valued member of our school community, known for her kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality', he said The inquest heard Lilly was reported missing at 10.19pm on June 20 and her body was discovered in woodland at 10.07pm on June 22.  A white British boy who cannot be named for legal reasons has been remanded into custody until his next court appearance. Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas 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 slightly–built boy, who is from Blaenau in Gwent, South Wales, was remanded into secure youth accommodation when he appeared at Cardiff Crown Court. No plea was taken before another hearing was set for July 24, with a trial lasting four weeks set to begin on November 23. Lilly's home town of Blaina, Gwent, has raised £20,000 for a memorial dedicated to her. Her headteacher Gerard McNamara, of Brynmawr Foundation School, said the teenager's loss 'will be felt profoundly' by students and staff. Lilly Jones was captured running down a Blaina, South Wales, street on security footage  Tributes were left near the park in memory of Lilly. A 14–year–old boy is now on trial charged with her murder Mr McNamara said: '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.' Books of condolence have filled with tributes describing Lilly as a 'beautiful girl' and 'amazing friend'. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.