10/02/2011

More Time To Question Nikitta Murder Suspect

Detectives have been given an extra 12 hours to question a man over the murder of a pregnant teenager on a Newport estate.

Gwent Police arrested Carl Whant, 26, of Newport on suspicion of murder on Wednesday.

Nikitta Grender's body was discovered following a fire at her flat in Newport early Saturday morning. The 19-year-old had been stabbed and was heavily pregnant at the time of her death. Her body was discovered in the bedroom of her flat. According to a neighbour the fire alarm went off at 5.30am. It is believed the fire was started after she was stabbed to disguise the attack.

A major incident team of 50 officers are continuing to work on the investigation searching six premises across the city and carrying out tests on two knives found during a search of the estate.

Mr Whant can be questioned until 2200 GMT on Thursday.

Ms Grender's body was found in the bedroom of the flat she shared with her boyfriend Ryan Mayes, 18, just before 8.00am on Saturday.

On Tuesday, Gwent Police appealed for any residents who have private CCTV outside their homes to come forward so it can be examined.

Leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne said: “We have ongoing forensic investigations which will continue for the forseeable future.

"We are hopeful that residents who have CCTV will come forward and let us examine it. We are also urging friends and associates to contact us with any information however small.”

(BMcN)


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09 February 2011
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