Tribute to ‘perfect child’Julie
The devastated family of Julie Parkin have paid tribute to their ‘perfect child’ after the popular teacher was found stabbed to death at her Sunderland home.
The 39-year-old mumof-two was found with fatal knife injuries at her home in Kirkwall Close, Castletown, at 12.10am on Tuesday.
The devastated family of Julie Parkin have paid tribute to their ‘perfect child’ after the popular teacher was found stabbed to death at her Sunderland home.
The 39-year-old mumof-two, known as Jules, was found with fatal knife injuries at her home in Kirkwall Close, Castletown, at 12.10am on Tuesday.
Mrs Parkin was a Year 3 and 4 teacher at West Boldon Primary School – which yesterday held a special assembly at a time of “deep sadness”.
The school was closed today for ‘an additional day of reflection’ as staff and pupils try to come to terms with the tragedy.
A statement released by Mrs Parkin’s family read: “Julie was the best person anyone could ever meet. She was the perfect child.
“She was beautiful inside and out and she brought something special to everyone she met.
“We are all utterly devastated. Her children are devastated.
“It is so tragic and we can’t ever understand why anyone would do this.
“We would like to thank the school for their support.
“The teachers and kids have been brilliant and their support means so much to us.
“Julie was like a mam to them all.
“Everyone who has been in touch, we thank you for your kind words, it really has been a comfort for us at this hugely difficult time.”
A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Floral tributes have been left on the gates at West Boldon Primary School.
A post on the school’s Facebook page yesterday said: “We held a special assembly for Mrs Parkin this morning.
“Revd Raymond Dick and Mother Rebecca came to see us and read poems, readings and gave comforting words at this time of deep sadness in our school community.
“A candle was lit and we sang songs. Mrs Storey and Miss Swales found some music that Mrs Parkin would’ve liked and we all had a little dance at the end. Mrs Parkin would’ve thought that was good fun.”
A spokesman for the school added: “Both pupils and staff have been deeply saddened by the loss of a much-loved and respected teacher. The decision has been taken to close the school to give the school community an additional day of reflection.”
Officers leading the investigation say they believe it to be a “domestic incident” between people who know each other.