Charlotte Lawlor, 31, was found with stab injuries in the foyer of a tower block in east London just before 2am on September 15. Hope Rowe, 32, was arrested and charged with murder
A 31-year-old mum has been tragically stabbed to death at a birthday party, leaving her 11-year-old son behind.
Charlotte Lawlor was found with stab injuries in the foyer of a tower block in Tower Hamlets, east London, just before 2am on September 15. She died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics. Her funeral will take place at Finchley Crematorium at 2pm on October 25.
Hope Rowe, 32, was arrested and charged with murder, the Metropolitan Police said. She appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on September 16. At the hearing, Judge Richard Marks, KC, the Common Serjeant of London, remanded Ms Rowe in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on December 2.
A provisional trial date was set for June 9 next year, My London reported. Charlotte’s cousin, Jessie McBride, described the mum as “an amazing woman” who had “drive, determination and a really big heart”. She added that she was her son’s “biggest supporter” and “absolutely adored him”.
She started a GoFundMe to help pay for any financial support her young son might need, including for school and emotional support, living costs, and future well-being needs. “Any help will be massively appreciated, no help is too small,” Ms McBride wrote on the fundraising page, which has an initial target of £5,000.
She wrote that Charlotte’s death was a “devastating shock to the family” and “completely traumatising” for her boy, adding that he will now have to live every milestone in life without his mother. “The emotional and financial burdens of this tragedy will no doubt be overwhelming, we want to ensure he has the resources needed to help heal and thrive,” she added.
Describing the victim, Ms McBride said: “Charlotte was an amazing woman, she had drive, determination and a really big heart! She fought hard to make sure her son had the things he needed. She was his biggest supporter and absolutely adored him. She was loved by so many people and will be sorely missed. She will be laid to rest on 25th October at Finchley Crematorium at 2pm.”
After Charlotte was stabbed to death, Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney, from Tower Hamlets and Hackney Police, said: “My thoughts are with the family of this young woman at this very difficult time. Following this awful incident, my officers are working closely with our specialist colleagues to understand exactly what has occurred.
“Over the coming days local officers will be in and around Duckett Street to provide any reassurance that the community needs. This is also an opportunity for anyone with concerns, or any information about this incident, to speak with us.”
