Schoolteacher, 42, stabbed to death inside house as man, 38, ‘known to her’ is charged with murder

A MAN has been charged with the murder of a 42-year-old teacher who was stabbed to death in south London.

Police were called at about 10.30am on Thursday to reports of a woman found with stab wounds at a property in Nutfield Close, Carshalton.

The victim was named later as teacher Gemma Devonish.

Emergency services sadly pronounced her dead at the scene.

The force arrested James Madden, who was known to Gemma, on Friday.

The 38-year-old was charged with her murder on Saturday.

He will appear in custody at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Gemma was a teacher at Rosebery School in Epsom, Surrey.

A tribute on Rosebery School’s website reads: “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.”

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila said previously: “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 previously: “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.

“Local residents will see an increased number of officers in and around Nutfield Close while important investigative work is carried out.

"I want to thank residents for their patience while this continues and would urge anyone with concerns to speak to one of them so they can assist.”