Man charged with murder of Norwich woman Kerri McAuley

Scene of suspected murder on Southalls Way, Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The woman, who has now been formally identified as 32-year-old Kerri McAuley, was found deceased at a property in Southalls Way on Sunday (January 8).

A Home Office post mortem examination which took place yesterday (Monday 9 January) was inconclusive however there is evidence that Kerri was subjected to a severe blunt force assault.

Joe Storey, 26, of Murrells Court, St John Street, Norwich, has been charged with murder. He has been remanded into custody to appear at Norwich Magistrates Court tomorrow (Wednesday, January 11).

Police remained at the scene today although their presence has been scaled down and the cordon that had been in place yesterday has been removed.

Scene of suspected murder on Southalls Way, Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Several more bunches of flowers have also been left close to the block of flats where Ms McAuley lived.

A note left on one of the bouquets read: 'Dearest Kerri, Taken far too soon. Heaven gained an angel but may your spirit shine in your little boys.'

Another note read: 'RIP Kerri Another beautiful soul taken, your memories will live on in your boys and family.'

Ms McAuley's death has prompted scores of tributes to be paid to the mother-of-two who has been described as being 'beautiful inside and out' and as a 'kind-hearted, soft spoken crazy chick'.

Scene of suspected murder on Southalls Way, Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

A fundraising site set up following her death was boosted by the support of hundreds of people and helped raise more than £4,600 in just a few hours yesterday and has today reached more than £8,000.

The JustGiving page, which aimed to raise £5,000 to cover the costs of the funeral and headstone, was set up by Kendall Jarrett and Laura A'dore who posted a message alongside it.

It reads: 'Kerri was well known in Norwich as a kind hearted, soft spoken crazy chick!

'She had a huge friend circle and loved by so many including her two young boys.

Scene of suspected murder on Southalls Way, Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

'We want to take some of the stress away from the family with raising some money for her funeral costs and help with her two sons who luckily have a father who will be taking them on full time. We love you Kerri, rest in paradise xXx'

Ms Jarrett, who had known Kerri for about 10 years, said she was a 'really, really lovely woman'.

She said they had set up the appeal to help give Kerri 'the send-off she deserves' and help her 'poor family' and had been amazed by the response, even from those who did not even know her.

She added: 'We just want to raise as much as we can so we can help that poor family.'

Scene of Southalls Way, Norwich, suspected murder. Picture: Antony Kelly (Image: Archant)

Ms A'dore, who posted her own tribute on Facebook, said: 'My heart is absolutely broken into a million trillion pieces. You were my best friend for half of my life.'

She added: 'You are going to be missed by so many people – your boys are a credit to you. I actually can't quite believe I'm writing this – rest in peace my angel.'

Others who have paid tribute to Ms McAuley, include:

• Georgina Louise Read, who posted: 'She was beautiful inside and out and an amazing mother to her boys she will be sadly missed by all. I've shared such lovely memories with her that will never be forgotten.'

Scene of Southalls Way, Norwich, suspected murder. Picture: Antony Kelly (Image: Archant)

• Lisamarie Butcher posted: 'RIP Kerri xx'

• Sharon Jackson posted: 'RIP thoughts are with your boys and family xx'

• Tim Fowell posted: 'Rip Kerri thoughts are with your family'

• Karl Bartram posted: 'RIP Kerri.... hugs wherever you are now... you were a lovely lady xx'

Scene of Southalls Way, Norwich, suspected murder. Picture: Antony Kelly (Image: Archant)

• Jody Ling posted: 'Senseless and absolutely awful. Didn't know Kerri well but always seemed a very pleasant girl. Thinking of her family and little boys at this terrible time.'

• Maria Astra Stearman who posted: 'Really awful and so sad such a young girl my thoughts r with her family and friends her poor children I feel so sorry for. Rip kerri x'

• Gemma Dunmow posted: 'Heartbreaking x'

• Samantha Walton posted: 'Rip sweetie x'

Scene of Southalls Way, Norwich, suspected murder. Picture: Antony Kelly (Image: Archant)

Bouquets of flowers have also been left close to the scene.

A note on one bunch read: 'Taken too soon. Sleep well Kerri.'

Another card stated: 'RIP Beautiful girl'.

Kerri McAuley had also been a ring girl for the Contenders in Norwich. They posted a tribute on their Facebook page, which read: 'Rest in Peace Kerri McAuley. Our thoughts are with your boys and your family at this very sad time. You will be missed...' Steve Newman, 52, is a promoter for Contenders, he said: 'She was a lovely girl, she'll be sorely missed.

Scene of Southalls Way, Norwich, suspected murder. Picture: Antony Kelly (Image: Archant)

'I was absolutely devastated when I heard about it, we're in total shock.'

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Marie James said: 'We are still in the early stages of our investigation and working to establish the sequence of events which led to this woman's death. I would be very keen to hear from anyone who may have any information that could assist with these inquiries, whether it concerns events leading up to the woman's death or the incident itself.'

• Anyone with information should contact Norfolk Constabulary on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Would you like to pay tribute to Kerri McAuley? Email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk

Scene of murder on Southalls Way, Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)