What happened at Killamarsh?
A MOTHER and three children were tragically found dead in a home in Killamarsh, near Sheffield on September 19. Here’s what we know about what happened. What happened at Killamarsh? Two children, 13 and 11, their mother and their friend, 11, who was over for a sleepover were discovered dead at a property in Chandos […]
A MOTHER and three children were tragically found dead in a home in Killamarsh, near Sheffield on September 19.
Here’s what we know about what happened.
What happened at Killamarsh?
Two children, 13 and 11, their mother and their friend, 11, who was over for a sleepover were discovered dead at a property in Chandos Crescent in Killamarsh, near Sheffield, on Sunday morning.
Police have not yet revealed how the four victims were killed but say they are not looking for anyone else over the “isolated” incident.
They said officers had no prior contact with those involved.
A horrified local claims neighbours heard screaming coming from the property on Saturday at around 8pm but police were not called.
The local told The Sun: “I don’t think anyone thought to call the police. It then went quiet for the rest of the night.
“They then heard screaming in the early hours.”
Police arrived at around 7.30am and are said to have found Terri, Lacey and John killed in their beds.
The local added: “They were stabbed to death
“Connie was found outside.
“It’s thought she tried to escape but was murdered as she fled.
“It must have been terrifying.”
Around 300 people, including many children, gathered in Killamarsh to remember the victims.
Many took turns to place candles around a post in the centre of a park a few hundred metres from where they were found.
Others brought flowers and teddy bears.
Most read in The Sun
And some at the vigil were in tears as the pastor of Killamarsh Church on the Street, David Taylor, led them in a prayer.
Mr Taylor said: “It’s a very sad today but it’s absolutely incredible that so many people have joined us tonight.
“What do you say at time like this? It’s so difficult.”
Who were the victims?
The victims were named as John Paul Bennett, 13, Lacey Bennett, 11, their mother, Terri Harris, 35, and Lacey’s friend, Connie Gent, 11.
A 31-year-old man, named locally as Damien Bendall, has been charged on suspicion of murder.
Cops confirmed today he was first taken to hospital for self-inflicted injuries before being quizzed in police custody where he remains.
Detective Chief Inspector Sally Blaiklock who is leading the investigation said: “Our thoughts remain with the families of Terri, John Paul, Lacey and Connie – as well as the communities that have been affected by this most tragic of incidents.
“A large scene remains in place on Chandos Crescent and local residents will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, including patrols by officers in the local area.
“I would urge anyone who is concerned about the incident to speak to officers in the area or use the online reporting tool to pass information in confidence.
What have the families said about the tragedy?
It is has since been claimed Terri was in the early stages of pregnancy at the time of her death.
One neighbour said: “Terri told my mum she was pregnant but couldn’t tell anyone yet as it was still early in the pregnancy.”
The heartbroken dads of the three kids wept and said: “We couldn’t protect you.”
Jason Bennett, 30, laid flowers for his “Tik Tok Queen” and “beautiful boy” after the horror killings.
Mr Bennett, a Royal Mail worker, sobbed: “I didn’t protect my beautiful babies enough from the monsters and now they have been suddenly taken away from me.”
A heartbroken pal today wept as she told how Terri was dedicated to her two children from a previous relationship.
She told The Sun: “She lived for her children.
“They were her life. It’s all she would ever talk about.
“She would bake with them, draw with them and take them for days out.
“I saw her in July. She had organised an 11th birthday party for Lacey in the back garden.
“She just doted on them.”
Tributes have continued to flood in for the victims today including from Connie’s dad Charlie, who posted a touching video montage.
He captioned it: “I love you angel”.
Lacey and John’s dad Jason Bennett yesterday sobbed as he lay flowers for the youngsters at the scene.
He also posted heartbreaking videos of the siblings enjoying their time together.
Well-wishers have now raised more than £15,000 on a fundraising site to help the families.