The family of a young mother who was stabbed 26 times have described how their “hearts have been ripped out” as a man from Hackney was found guilty of her brutal murder.
Tre Cameron, 22, of Lower Clapton Road was found guilty today at Inner London Crown Court of the fatal stabbing of 24-year-old Vanessa James.
Police were called to Ms James’ flat in Curlew House, Ponders End in Enfield at around 6.40am on July 20 2017, where they found her with multiple stab wounds to her neck and abdomen.
Paramedics and police officers fought to save her life, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
She had met Cameron just two weeks before the incident and had allowed him to stay at her flat, along with her two-year-old daughter.
Cameron threatened officers at the scene, and a Taser had to be used in order to arrest him. He was taken to hospital for treatment for a self-inflicted injury to his hand.
Murder squad detectives established he was drunk and high on cocaine and cannabis - factors which formed the basis of his defence against a charge of murder.
Det Sgt Perry Benton, of the homicide and major crime command, said he was glad the jury had seen through his “cowardly defence”.
“Tre Cameron abused Vanessa’s her trust, consuming a quantity of drink and drugs before he began a frenzied attack upon her.
“He pleaded not guilty to murder on the basis that he was suffering with a personality disorder and it was the disorder, drink and drugs that had caused him to lose control with such horrific consequences.
“Such a brutal killing is inexcusable - and so is the reckless substance abuse that proved to be the catalyst for this tragedy. The court heard evidence Tre Cameron was dealing drugs and he has shown no remorse throughout the trial.”
Vanessa’s murder was witnessed by her cousin, who was forced to relive the terrible events through the trial.
In an impact statement read to the court, Vanessa’s mother, Jean Humphreys, said: “Vanessa was my dear daughter and I cannot believe she has been taken away from me under such inhumane circumstances. I miss Vanessa so much. She was the youngest of all my children. I feel like my heart has been ripped out.
“Vanessa’s daughter - my grand-daughter - recognises her mother in photographs and asks for her when she is upset. Sometimes she wakes up crying in the night saying that her mummy has gone.”
Cameron will be sentenced on Friday.
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