Pals of Jessica Cariad Hopkins, allegedly murdered by her housemate in a love triangle in Cambodia said she was a teacher and described her as a ‘beautiful soul’.
A British woman who police say was stabbed to death by her housemate in a love triangle stayed in Cambodia because she “wanted to help everyone”, say friends in paying tribute.
Jessica Cariad Hopkins, 34, from Harpenden in Hertfordshire, who is described as a ‘teacher’ by a pal, was discovered with her throat repeatedly cut in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Her body was found just before midnight and a photograph of the dead woman lying on grass in a popular park, appeared in local media, which also said the bloodied murder weapon, a knife, was found nearby.
Police said a woman named locally as Kidikila Nganda Glodie, 33, has allegedly confessed after she was arrested 17 hours later around 3.40pm on Saturday. She was filmed being handcuffed a mile and a half away, at a local beauty salon. She was wearing a brown top and black trousers, apparently being asked where her clothes were from the previous evening.
Local media reported that police chastised two witnesses to the incident after they livestreamed it to social media. The two eyewitnesses are said to have later cooperated and were allowed to leave after they were questioned.
It is believed the suspect killed her housemate because they both loved the same man, local police chief Bun Saty said. He explained: “During the interrogation after her arrest, the suspect confessed that she had killed the victim because she was angry at her for having an affair with her Congolese boyfriend.”
The police investigation has initially revealed the two women had ridden a motorbike together to the Koh Pich area, where they sat in the park opposite an international school.
An argument broke out and they got into a physical fight, said Police Captain Vichetr.
“According to witnesses, the suspect knocked the victim down and pushed her to the ground,” he said yesterday. “The suspect took a knife and stabbed the victim many times in the throat, causing her to die at the scene, before fleeing.”
Witnesses alerted the police, who arrived at the site of the killing around midnight. The woman described as ‘Congolese’ was arrested the next day at a beauty salon in Daun Penh district’s Boeng Raing commune.
Jessica’s devastated friends paid tribute to her on Facebook with Sophie Marston saying Jess was like a sister to her. Sophie said: “We couldn’t have been closer. She was a wonderful human, selfless, she took the world’s problems on her shoulders. It’s why she stayed in Cambodia, she’s just wanted to help anyone and everyone. I can’t believe I’m talking in past tense.”
On Jessica’s Facebook page, she has shared a post about love which said: “I learned love is about giving everything and letting it hurt.” Other posts show her skiing with her brother and feeding monkeys in Cambodia after leaving university in 2013.
Her dad is a Professor and author, who is an expert in education whose CV says he is “committed” to providing a good education for all. He is also a highly respected mountain guide In his CV he talks about being the father of three “fabulous” children.
Paying tribute to Jessica, Natalie Bronkhorst wrote on Facebook: “Rest well, Teacher Jess. You were the sweetest, kindest person I have ever met. You didn’t deserve this—nobody does. You had the purest heart, and we will always remember you that way. Fly high, Jess.”
Sophors Chheoun wrote on Facebook: “I am heartbroken to lose my lovely neighbor and dear friend Jessica Cariad Hopkins. She was such a caring person, always there for me and my family, helping in ways big and small. Her kindness, her smile, and her generous heart meant so much to me.
“It feels unreal that she is gone. My heart aches knowing such a beautiful soul was taken from us too soon. Rest in peace, Jessica. You will forever be missed and remembered with love.” Another tribute read: “The Most Beautiful Soul & Very Kind Heart! RIP Jessica Cariad Hopkins.”
A third person said: “She was so kind and every time I was around her, always had a positive energy. Such a sweet soul… too soon.” Someone else who knew Jessica wrote: “My heart can’t take it. Jessica, you would always be the coolest person.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office say they are supporting the family of the victim and are in contact with local authorities.