Detective and family pay tribute to murdered Jodie.

The Police Detective who led the investigation into Jodie Chensey’s murder has paid tribute to the murdered scout.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellans said: 

“I would like to pay tribute to Jodie, who was clearly a wonderful and joyful young woman with so much to offer the world. The testimonies to her character and kindness have been a source of sadness as well as a celebration of a life that touched so many. 

“This is among the saddest cases I have led and I can only hope that today’s verdict has provided a modest sense of justice for her family and friends. 

“This is a case which has affected not only those in the local area, but throughout London and nationally. The death of any young person by knife violence is a terrible event, and we must all work together to stop this from ruining the lives of more young people.

“Jodie was not in the wrong place at the wrong time, she was simply living her life as a teenager should – carefree and with her friends.

“It is Ong-a-Kwie and his 17-year-old co-defendant who made the decision to take that from her and have devastated the lives of so many people who loved her.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to my team of fantastic officers. They have worked tirelessly around the clock, piecing together vital evidence to get justice for Jodie and her family.” 

Peter Chesney, Jodie’s father said in an impact statement: 

“The murder of my beloved daughter has destroyed my life and the full extent as to how this has affected my family and me cannot possibly be explained simply in words.

“I have no idea how I am going to continue with my life or even come to terms with the loss.”

Jodie’s sister, Lucy, said: 

“I am only 20 years old and already I am dreading my life rather than looking forward to it. Jodie was not only my sister she was my best friend. Losing her is like losing half of myself. We went through everything together and she was always there for me and always putting everyone before herself. She gave me a type of love I will never feel again. 

“I am anxious about everything: leaving the house, staying in the house, meeting people. If someone as good and pure as Jodie could be murdered, it could happen to anyone and I spend everywhere I go looking over my shoulder because of it. “Jodie will be greatly missed and the people who caused such tragedy to a whole family should hang their head in shame. You have ripped away a bright future that was destined to make a change to many lives.”