A man faced court today charged with the murder of a mother of two, who was fondly remembered as “beautiful” and perpetually brimming with energy, kindness, and joy.
Karlie Sone, aged 28, was discovered deceased within an apartment complex in Ipswich, Suffolk, during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The police received a call at 1:10 a.m. from an individual expressing concern for a woman’s well-being.
Known also as Karlie Day, Ms. Sone was employed as a receptionist at the Goals soccer centre in Ipswich. Officers found her unresponsive and she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Paul Stevenson, 39, a local resident who, according to police, was acquainted with the victim, was apprehended soon after and formally accused of her murder.
During his appearance at the Ipswich magistrates’ court today, the defendant spoke solely to verify his name, address, and date of birth.
He was flanked by two guards as he stood in the glass-fronted dock and was remanded in custody to appear before Ipswich Crown Court tomorrow.
Presiding magistrate Anne Walker told him he would appear at the higher court via video link from Norwich prison, adding: ‘You will be remanded in custody as we have no jurisdiction.’
Karlie Sone, 28, was found dead in a block of flats in Ipswich, Suffolk, in the early hours of Tuesday
A post-mortem examination was carried out by a Home Office pathologist yesterday but the cause of death was reported as ‘pending further investigation’.
Stevenson quizzed at the Police Investigation Centre in Martlesham near Ipswich after his arrest.
Officers were then granted a warrant of further detention by magistrates for an additional 29 hours to question him.
Suffolk Police said in a statement at the time: ‘This is being treated as an isolated incident and the parties involved are understood to have been known to each other.’
Officers are still appealing for help from anyone with information about the incident.
The family of Ms Sone have launched a GoFundMe appeal to pay for her funeral and to support her two daughters. It has so far raised more than £4,400.
A statement accompanying the online appeal said: ‘Our hearts are completely broken as we try to come to terms with the tragic and senseless loss of Karlie Day, who was taken from us just a few days ago.
‘She was more than a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a loved one. She was a devoted mum to two beautiful young girls who were her entire world. Everything she did was for them and they loved their mum more than anything.
Ms Sone, who was also known as Karlie Day and had worked as a receptionist at the Goals soccer centre in Ipswich, was found unresponsive by officers and was declared dead a short time later
Police at the block of flats where Ms Sone was declared dead by police after they were contacted by a person who reported ‘concerns for the welfare of a woman’
‘In an instant, their lives have been turned upside down. They now face a future without the love, care, and protection of their mother.
‘We are raising funds to help cover funeral expenses and to provide some support for her two little girls during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation will help give Karlie the send-off she deserves and support the family in providing for her children.
‘If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this heartbreaking time.
‘Our thoughts remain with her daughters, mum and sisters as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Forever in our hearts, Karlie.’
More than 20 floral tributes have been left outside the entrance to the flats where Ms Sone died.
One card at the scene read: ‘Karlie woo, my beautiful sister taken from us too soon. I’ll miss you always, Noogs. My gun fingers will forever be pointed to the sky. Our raver forever in our hearts.’
Codie Hutton wrote on social media: ‘Rest in peace Karlie Day. I think I can speak for many of us when I say Karlie left a lasting imprint on so many lives.
‘No matter how well you knew her, she had a way of bringing light and sparkle into everyone’s world. You were always smiling, always full of energy, kindness and happiness.
Paul Stevenson, 39, who also lives in the town and was understood to be known to the victim, according to police, has been charged with her murder
‘You didn’t deserve this. Your babies didn’t deserve this, and neither did your family. My heart goes out to everyone who loved you.
‘Sending strength, love and prayers to your children and your family during this heartbreaking time. Rave in paradise beautiful girl, gone far too soon.’
Tia Brown wrote: ‘Rest in paradise beautiful girl. I’ll forever cherish all the memories and all the parties we had especially the one in lockdown. You didn’t deserve what u went thru… give my mumma a big kiss from me I already know she had a glass waiting for you.’
Another friend Jenna Impleton posted: ‘No words can describe how heartbroken we all are rest in paradise our beautiful little princess – the funniest, kindest, most beautiful little human with the purest soul.
‘I hope one day we get to meet again I love you my darling.’
