First picture of woman whose body was found severed in suitcases in Forest of Dean
THE first picture of a woman whose body was found severed in half and stuffed in two suitcases in the Forest of Dean has been released by police.
Forest of Dean: Police at scene where 'torso found in suitcase'
West Midlands named the victim as 28-year-old Phoenix Netts - just over a week after her butchered body was dumped in a beauty spot.
Her heartbroken family paid tribute to her in a statement, and said: “As a family we are devastated with what has happened to Phoenix.
“We ask most humbly that our family’s privacy is respected whilst we grieve and come to terms with the loss of Phoenix in such tragic circumstances.
“Whilst we understand this is a news story, we hope everyone can understand why we need to be left alone at this very difficult time.
“We have family and good friends supporting us and our thanks go out to all of them.
“We would also like to thank all the police officers involved in the investigation for their hard work and sensitivity."
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Griffiths from the West Midlands Police homicide team said: “Firstly, I’d like to offer my sincere condolences to Phoenix’s family.
“We’ve worked closely with colleagues at Gloucestershire over the past week and our investigation continues at pace.
“We’d urge anyone with any information about the tragic loss of Phoenix’s life to get in touch with us."
This comes after two people appeared in court earlier today in connection with Miss Netts' murder.
Gareeca Conita Gordon, 27, was charged with murder, while Mahesh Sorathiya, 38, from Wolverhampton, was accused with assisting an offender.
A provisional trial for November 10 has been set.
Police officers swooped on a man and woman who were said to be driving suspiciously near Coleford, Gloucestershire, and later found the body parts stuffed in two suitcases.
Today, the judge granted conditional bail to Sorathiya, but no application for bail was made on behalf of Gordon.
Gordon is accused of murder between April 14 and May 12, while Sorathiya is accused of assisting her between April 25 and May 12.
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