Brierley Hill death: Man in court as family pay tribute to teenage 'princess'
A man has appeared in court after the body of a teenage girl was found in a double wardrobe wrapped in clingfilm.
The body found at a flat is believed to be that of 17-year-old Megan Louise Bills, from Stourbridge, although formal identification is yet to take place.
Unemployed Ashley Foster, aged 24, was brought before magistrates in Dudley today.
He is accused of preventing the lawful and decent burial of Megan Bills without lawful excuse sometime between the dates of April 16 and May 4 this year.
Officers cordoned off the flat, in Highgate Road, on Thursday, following the discovery.
Foster spoke only to confirm his name and date-of-birth, and told magistrates he was of no fixed abode.
He was wearing a grey t-shirt with the words ‘Tap Out’ written across the front.
Mrs Maxine Jarrousse-Jones, prosecuting, said: “Police attended the flat and found a double wardrobe wrapped in cling film.
“The wardrobe was opened and a young woman’s body was inside."
He was remanded in custody and will next appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 5.
His appearance in court came as Megan’s next of kin are being supported by family liaison officers.
In a statement, her family called Megan their 'princess' and said her death had left a 'huge gap' in their lives.
“We are devastated by the loss of our daughter whose life has so unnecessarily been cut short," they said.
“We appreciate the support we have been given by our family, friends and the police.
“Whilst nothing can fill the huge gap in our family life that Megan's passing has left we trust that in time we will have answers that will help us understand why this dreadful event has occurred.
“We would request that we are left alone to grieve at this emotional time.
“Rest in peace princess.”
Detective Inspector Caroline Corfield, from force CID, said: “Our hearts go out to Megan’s family as they come to terms with this dreadful news and they have asked that they are given the privacy to do so.
“Our investigation is continuing as we work to establish the circumstances of Megan’s death so that we can provide her family with the answers they need.
“I would ask anyone with information about Megan’s last known movements to come forward.”
Information can be given to police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
