Tributes have been paid to a ‘beautiful, level headed’ and ‘always kind’ teacher who was fatally stabbed in south London, as police confirmed a man known to her has been charged with murder.
Gemma Devonish, 42, who worked as head of year at Rosebery School in Epsom, Surrey, died at the scene in Carshalton, on Thursday morning.
Emergency services were called to reports of an injured woman at a property in Nutfield Close just after 10.30am, where they discovered Miss Devonish had suffered stab wounds.
Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Today, James Madden, 38, of Railton Road, Lambeth, who was known to Miss Devonish, was charged with her murder and remanded into custody. He will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Officers are awaiting the conclusion of a post-mortem examination as detectives said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.
Miss Devonish’s family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers, police added.
As news of the tragedy emerged, tributes were paid to Miss Devonish, including from her ‘devastated’ colleagues.
Tributes have been paid to Gemma Devonish, 42, a teacher at Rosebery School in Epsom, Surrey, as police confirmed a man known to her has been charged with murder
Emergency services were called to reports of an injured woman at a property in Nutfield Close just after 10.30am on Thursday, where they discovered Miss Devonish had been stabbed
Police announced today that James Madden, 38, of Railton Road, Lambeth, who was known to Miss Devonish, was charged with her murder and remanded into custody
A statement from Rosebery School said: ‘The entire Rosebery community is devastated by the sudden and unexpected death of Miss Gemma Devonish.
‘Our thoughts are with Gemma’s mother and sister, extended family and friends, at this deeply distressing time.’
Headteacher David Lach described Miss Devonish as ‘the kindest and most gentle of people’ and that her loss to the school is ‘incalculable’, he told Surrey Live.
He said: ‘She was a wonderful teacher who inspired a love of her subject among all her students and went above and beyond to offer her time, expertise and care to the students in her classes and in her year group.
‘We know that this news will have come as a terrible shock to students and parents/carers across our community, as it has to all staff, who are finding it incredibly difficult to comprehend that we have lost such a cherished friend and colleague, so suddenly.
‘Her loss to our school is incalculable, but she leaves the most incredible legacy in the hundreds of students that have been touched by her energy, passion and empathy.’
Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, said on X that she was ‘deeply distressed’ by the news.
In a statement she wrote: ‘My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends & colleagues.’
Police have appealed for any information about the fatal stabbing in Carshalton on Thursday
Meanwhile on social media, a friend described her as ‘beautiful, level headed, really f***ing cool. Always kind, always a gorgeous easy smile. She was wonderful.’
On Friday, Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila issued an appeal for any information about the incident.
He said: ‘Our thoughts today are with Gemma’s family and friends who are trying to come to terms with this truly tragic event. We are offering them all the support that we can.
‘We know that the wider community will also be impacted and I would urge anyone with concerns to please speak with local officers.
‘While we have made an arrest, detectives continue to carry out a number of enquiries as we build a picture of the events that led to this horrific murder.
‘I would ask anyone who was in the area of Nutfield Close who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, particularly on Wednesday 18 or morning of Thursday 19 December, to make contact.’
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, from the South Area Command Unit responsible for policing in Sutton said:’I share the shock and concern that this terrible incident will have on the local community in Sutton.
‘A team of specialist detectives is already making significant progress in this investigation and have swiftly arrested a man who is now in police custody.’
Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 7175 2206, on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously quoting CAD 3012/19Dec.
