Cousin’s husband accused of killing body in wood girl
THE husband of Louise Smith’s cousin appeared in court yesterday charged with the 16-yearold’s murder.
Shane Mays, 29, was remanded in custody after confirming his name and address.
It is believed Louise, whose body was found on May 21, had been staying with him and his wife Cjay – full name Chazlynn Jane – in the days before she vanished on May 8.
Shane was initially arrested on suspicion of kidnap then rearrested on suspicion of murder.
Cjay, also 29, has been arrested on suspicion of helping an offender, and was released on bail on Thursday night.
Her husband appeared before Portsmouth magistrates to be accused of killing Louise on the same day she went missing.
Wearing a black T-shirt, he told the two-minute hearing that his nationality was “white” and he “didn’t know” the postcode of his flat in Havant, Hants. District
Judge Gary Lucie adjourned the case until Tuesday, saying: “Mr Mays, you are charged with murder which cannot be dealt with here.
“I’m going to send you to Winchester Crown Court where you will appear in front of a judge.” Louise’s body was found in Havant Thicket, a woodland area a mile-and-a-half from the Mays’ flat. Family and friends have left more than at its entrance.
Her mum Rebecca Cooper, 39, posted a photo of them together on social media with the caption “so proud of my girl Louise”.
Family friend Jackie Meredith said: “She was a bubbly and funny girl.
“She was a bit girlie like teenage girls are. I really can’t express how lovely she was.” bouquets