Man, 23, in court over murder of Canadian girlfriend in Essex home
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his teenage Canadian girlfriend.
Ashley Wadsworth, 19, was found dead at a block of flats on Tennyson Road in Chelmsford, Essex on Tuesday at around 4pm after concerned neighbours called police.
Paramedics raced to the scene, but despite their best efforts Ashley died at the scene.
Jack Sepple, 23, appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, wearing a grey jumper and trousers, to face one count of murder.
He was remanded into custody and will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday.
Ashley had flown from her home city of Vernon on November 12 to visit Jack, who she had met on a dating app, and was due to fly back on Thursday.
During her travels with Sepple, Ashley visited some of the most iconic spots Britain had to offer, including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben in London.
The pair also visited Rye, in East Sussex with Supple's parents.
She had been due to return to Canada later today.
Ashley's devastated friends and family have since paid tribute to the tragic teenager.
Her sister Hailey wrote on social media: "My poor baby sister we will get justice baby girl I love you so much I miss you everyday your big sissy loves you."
Larissa Kontos, a friend of Ashley's sister, described the teen as a "beautiful loving soul".
Larissa wrote on Facebook last night: "She had a ticket for this Thursday to come back home to people who love her dearly."
"You will never be forgotten my girly. And I’ll miss you so much!"
Ashley's aunt, Rosie Turcotte, wrote on Facebook: "I am so angry, sad and f***ing mad.
"Want to say so much right now, but mama always said if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.
"Another special Angel gone way too soon."
Ashley's family have been informed of the news are are being supported by specialist officers.
MacKenzie Palm, Ashley’s best friend since seventh grade, wrote on Facebook: “You were my rock. We went through so many phases together, we did so many silly things together.
“We made so many memories.
“Please never forget that you are my friend and most importantly my family.
“I hope heaven is everything you read about in church and more. And Ashley just know, I love you.
“I promise I will do my best to take care of your family for you.”
DCI Scott Egerton from Essex Police said: “I know that incidents like this will shock and sadden the community, but our initial enquiries show this to be an isolated incident and that there is no wider risk to the community.
“Currently, we are not looking for anyone else.
“We have a team of dedicated officers working around the clock to establish the circumstances which led to a woman losing her life.
“The investigation is progressing well, but we will remain on scene for a few more days whilst we continue to gather evidence and establish the facts.
“You may see officers in the area carrying out reassurance patrols and I would encourage anyone who has information that might help our investigation, to approach them and tell them what you know.
“They are there to listen to your concerns.”
Sepple, of Tennyson Road, Chelmsford, is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
