Boy, 14, denies murdering teenage girl whose body was found in Blaina
Last updated 27th Oct 2026
A 14-year-old boy has denied murdering a teenage girl whose body was found with stab wounds after she went missing in South Wales.
Lilly Jones, also 14, was discovered in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on 22nd June.
She had been reported missing two days earlier.
At Newport Crown Court on Tuesday, the defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to her murder.
What we know about Lilly's death
Lilly was reported missing from her home in Blaina on the evening of 20th June.
Her body was found in a woodland location, with injuries to her chest and neck, on 22nd June.
An inquest opening at Gwent Coroner's Court previously heard Lilly is believed to have died from multiple stab wounds.
Tribute from Lilly's family
In a tribute issued through Gwent Police, Lilly's family said:
"As a family, the word 'heartbroken' doesn't come close to what we feel.
"We'd like to focus more on Lilly and what a beautiful person she is rather than the horrific thing she's been forced to endure.
"Lilly is the most beautiful, kind and caring little girl we had the privilege to call our daughter, sister, grand-daughter, 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 on 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.
"Our loss has left an unimaginable hole in not only our lives but in the whole community."
Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, previously fixed a trial date beginning on 23rd November.
It is due to last four weeks.