Well-wishers raise more than £11,000 for Killamarsh family after mum, two kids and their pal found ‘murdered’ at home
KIND well-wishers have raised more than £11,000 for a heartbroken family after two kids, their mum and a pal were found murdered.
Lacey, 11, and John, 13, were found dead after police were called to a report of safety at their home in Killamarsh, Derbys, on Sunday.
Their friend Connie Gent, 11, who was at a sleepover with Lacey, and mum Terri Harris, 35, were also discovered murdered at the scene.
Police are continuing to quiz a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
Kind-hearted supporters have now raised more than £13,000 to help the victims’ families.
Cassie Perry, who started the GoFundMe page, said: “For those who may not have heard this tragic news, Jason’s two little angels Lacey & John, their Mother Terri and friend Connie Gent were all taken from the world yesterday.
“Can we all pull together to ensure Jason & Connie’s family are overwhelmed with support and love at this hugely difficult time.
“If for any reason you are not able to donate, please please please show your support in other ways by sharing this fundraiser so we can gain as much support as possible.
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“All funds will be given to the families as a contribution towards the funerals & memorials of their loved ones. Any additional funds above the cost of their funerals will also be given to the families. I will be enlisting them as a beneficiary to this fundraiser.
“Thank you so much for taking the time to read, share and support this.”
It comes after hundreds gathered in Killamarsh yesterday for a vigil to remember the four tragic victims.
Lacey and John’s dad Jason Bennett wept as he laid flowers for his children close to the home where they found dead.
He addressed a floral tribute to his “TikTok queen” Lacey, saying he was “lost without you”.
A note read: “Look after your big brother and don’t wind him up.”
‘BEAUTIFUL BABIES’
Jason also left a handwritten note at the house for John, reading: “My beautiful son, keep your kind heart shining while the angels are looking after you for me.”
He earlier posted a devastating tribute on Facebook alongside touching images of Lacey and John.
Jason said: “Absolutely broken my heart into a million pieces.
“I didn’t protect my beautiful babies enough from the monsters and now they have been suddenly taken away from me.
“I’m writing this as I’m lost and broken on a 4 hour drive back home having just received heartbreaking news that my beautiful boy John and beautiful daughter Lacey have been taken away from me. Their mum Terri also lost her life and Laceys best friend was also taken away from the world.
“Life will never be the same. I love you both more than anything. Please look after each other.
“Gone too soon with so much to live for. I wish I could hold you and kiss you and tell you how much i love you. Thank you for making my world. All my love dad. Xxx”.
MURDER PROBE
Police confirmed a murder probe had been launched and said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the “isolated” incident.
They confirmed today Derbyshire Police had no prior contact with those involved.
A statement said: “This has been an understandably shocking event that has deeply affected the local community in Killamarsh, as well as Connie’s family and friends in Sheffield, and our thoughts are also with them.
“I would also like to state my thanks to those officers who arrived at the scene with such speed as well as colleagues from the East Midlands Ambulance Service who attended the incident. All acting with immense professionalism in such a difficult situation.
“While understandably worrying and upsetting this is believed to be an isolated incident in which those involved were known to one another and nobody else is being sought in connection with the deaths.
“A team of detectives have been working through the night to understand the circumstances that led to their deaths and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward.
“Of particular interest is anyone who was in the Chandos Crescent area between 9.30pm on Saturday evening and 7.30am the following day and who may have information that would be helpful to the investigation.”
Anyone with information has been asked to contact police online or on 101 quoting reference 302-190921.
