American woman, 21, who was stabbed to death at home in Essex had been due to return to the US next week as man faces murder charge
- Mary Wells, 21, was murdered in her house in Colchester, Essex, two weeks ago
- She had been in the UK for a six-month stay and had been due to return to US
- Adam Butt, 21, of Colchester, has now been charged with her murder
A young American woman found stabbed to death at home was killed just days before she was due to return to the United States.
Mary Wells, 21, was murdered in her house in Colchester, Essex, two weeks ago.
She was attacked in the early hours of the morning, suffering stab wounds to her neck and body.
Paramedics were called to the property but tragically they could not save Ms Wells who had come to the UK for a six-month stay.
It has now emerged she had been due to return to her home in Pennsylvania next week.
Her devastated friends have already raised thousands of pounds to help with the costs involved with repatriation of her body to America.
Mary Wells, 21, was found murdered in her house in Colchester, Essex, two weeks ago
Todd Hoffman, a good friend who helped set up the fundraiser, has paid a poignant tribute.
He said: ‘Mary was so kind and selfless, she would give someone the shirt off her back.
‘Mary was quiet and didn’t ask for much.
‘She wasn’t the kind of person that likes to fight or argue. She was very shy.’
After Mary’s brutal death her family was told they would have to raise funds to pay for the return of her body to America.
The heartbreaking process has been complicated by the arrangements needed to due the coronavirus pandemic.
Paramedics were called to the property but tragically they could not save Ms Wells’ life
Thankfully generous donations mean the $3,300 (£2,400) target to cover the costs was reached inside just a few days.
Todd, of Maryland, America, added: ‘Mary was stabbed to death she was supposed to come back home on February 8th, she was over England visiting for the last six months.
‘The family is deeply saddened by this unexpected tragedy.
‘Mary had a tough couple of years. Mary lost her mom due to heath problems and lost her grandmother who took care of her after her mom died 2 years ago.’
Mary was found at 5.35am on January 17.
Detectives later confirmed she died after she was stabbed in her neck and body.
Adam Butt, 21, of Colchester, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court in April.