Boy, 14, to face murder trial after missing girl, 14, found dead in Wales park

Boy, 14, to face murder trial after missing girl, 14, found dead in Wales park A body was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina, south Wales, in the search for missing 14-year-old Lilly Jones and a boy, 14, will now face a murder trial A 14-year-old boy faces a murder trial following the discovery of a missing girl’s body in a south Wales park. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Monday morning accused of murdering Lilly Jones, 14. He was arrested after a body was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina, south Wales, on June 22. Formal identification has not taken place. Lilly was last seen in High Street, Blaina, at around 6.50pm on June 20. Parts of Pilgrims Park, which is adjacent to the A467 in Blaina, were cordoned off after the body was discovered. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, has now fixed a trial date beginning on November 23, which is due to last four weeks. A plea and trial preparation hearing was listed for July 24. The youth, who did not enter a plea to the murder charge, was remanded into custody until his next court appearance. Floral tributes were left close to the scene of where the body was found. Lilly was a student at Brynmawr Foundation School and head teacher Gerard McNamara said in a statement: “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.” Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas, of Gwent Police, said in a statement last Friday: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Lilly at this difficult time. We understand that there has been a great deal of interest in this ongoing investigation. “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. “Even though we’ve reached this significant development in our investigation, our enquiries continue and you will still see a significant police presence in the area. Examinations of scenes will be continuing over the coming days, including at Duffryn Park, where cordons remain in place. “I would like to thank local residents for their continued support and those impacted by the cordons for their patience during this time.”