Bobbi-Anne McLeod’s devastated family ask ‘Why did she die?’ after teen, 18, was ‘murdered on way to visit boyfriend’
THE FAMILY of tragic Bobbi-Anne McLeod have asked “why did she die?” after the teen was “murdered on the way to visit her boyfriend.”
The 18-year-old vanished from a bus stop near her home in Plymouth on Saturday – and her body was tragically found on a beach.
Cody Ackland, 24, was arrested on suspicion of murder after police searching for her found a body eight miles from where she vanished.
The musician, who was not known to the teen, appeared at Plymouth Magistrates Court this week charged with murder.
And now the teen’s next-door neighbour has revealed that Bobbi Anne’s family’s biggest question is why their child was killed.
Tiffany Allan, who has known the family for eight years, said that the 18-year-old’s family are: “Questioning. I think for them the biggest question is why?”
She told the Sunday Mirror Bobbi Anne “will always be in our minds” after the teenager was snatched from a bus stop and killed.
Ms Allan added: “We are trying to remain strong for them but you just don’t know what to do.”
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Tiffany, who works at a working men’s club, praised Bobbi-Anne’s gift for art – saying that she wanted to one day go into designing.
She said: “I used to say to her, you should get into tattooing or something. I believe she wanted to get into interior design.”
Police arrested Ackland after a body was discovered around eight miles from where Bobbi-Anne vanished.
They later confirmed there is “no known link” between him and Bobbi-Anne.
Forensic officers were seen combing a home for clues just four miles from where the teenager disappeared.
Officers also said a “significant” number of searches have been carried out across the city in relation to the investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper said: “I would like to reassure the public that at this time we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.”
The teenager was on her way to meet boyfriend Louie Leach when she disappeared.
He waited for the teen to arrive but raised the alarm after she never showed up.
Police later discovered her headphones and a pouch of tobacco on a grass verge near the bus stop.
Tributes flooded in for Bobbi-Anne after her body was found near popular Bovisand Beach.
Her brother Lee shared a touching childhood photo of the two of them beaming at the camera in their primary school uniforms.
FAMILY ANGUISH
He wrote: “Until we meet again sis. I love you.
“You didn’t deserve this, such a beautiful and talented girl, and to have you as my little sister, the adventure and journey we had will always be treasured. Now go rest easy.”
Bobbi-Anne’s mum fought back tears as she paid tribute to her daughter during an emotional candlelit vigil this week.
Donna McLeod was joined by hundreds of mourners who paid their respects to Bobbi-Anne close to the bus stop where she vanished.
She said: “I would like to thank everyone for coming, on behalf of the family. It’s nice everyone is coming together in the circumstances.
“Unfortunately, our beautiful Bobbi-Anne has been taken from us, but she will never be forgotten.
“I’d like everyone to hold their candles up. This is for Bobbi-Anne”.
A GoFundMe page has now been launched to help her heartbroken family with funeral costs.
