Strangled girl 'might have been sexually assaulted'
A NINE-year-old girl who was found strangled in her mother’s boyfriend’s lorry might have been sexually assaulted, police said today.
Stacey Lawrence, from West Bromwich, was found dead on Saturday in the cab of a white Spar lorry, which was parked at the side of the A605 in Warmington, Northamptonshire.
Her mother’s partner Darren Walker, aged 40, is believed to have murdered Stacey then hanged himself from a tree in nearby woodland.
Detective Chief Inspector Tricia Kirk, of Northamptonshire Police, said today that police could not rule out that there was some sexual touching involved in the incident that led to her death.
Speaking at a press conference at Northamptonshire Police headquarters, Ms Kirk said a physical examination showed signs of a possible sexual assault.
She said Stacey, the youngest of four children, was described by her devastated mother, Roxanne, as a very popular girl at school, artistic with a lively imagination. She loved animals and hoped one day to become a zoo keeper.
She was said to have doted on Walker, even calling him “dad”.
Earlier Mrs Lawrence, aged 36, said: “I’m trying to be angry with him but I’m finding it really difficult because I loved him.
“Stacey was a really happy little girl and was very popular, with lots of friends.
“I just can’t believe she is gone. It shocked all of us because he was such a lovely family guy.”
She added: “He didn’t have a temper. I can honestly say I never saw it, he never raised his voice at the children or at me.”
Mrs Lawrence, a voluntary worker, said what hurt most was thinking of Stacey in pain in her final moments.
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