THE employers of a woman who was found dead in Wallingford have paid tribute to her, saying she was “loving and kind”.
On August 30, police were called to a flat in Blue Mountains, Wallingford, at around 2am. A woman, since identified as mum-of-one Katie Hurmuz-Irimia, suffered significant injuries and died at the scene.
A post-mortem found that Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia, who was in her 40s, had died following stab wounds to the neck and chest, Thames Valley Police said.
In the following weeks, Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia’s friends and families have paid tribute to her and left flowers in front of the house where she was found.
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She used to work at the Londis store in Sinodun Road and her employers remember her as being “part of the family.”
Jyoti Patel, who runs the store with her husband, told the Oxford Mail: “Katie was 14 years old when she started working for us, she soon became part of our family. We cannot believe this has happen.
“She was loving, kind, funny, caring person. We will treasure all the memories we have had with her. She will be truly missed by everyone who knew her and she will always be forever in our hearts.
“Our deepest love and thoughts go out to her and to her family.”
A fundraiser has been set up to support Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia’s son Hayden with an initial target of £2,000. It has since raised more than £4,657.
The JustGiving page, created by Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia’s uncle Colin Gilbey, reads: “On hearing the news of Katie’s tragic passing, I’m sure many people’s first thoughts have been with her loved ones, especially her beautiful boy Hayden.
“Katie’s love and admiration for Hayden was infectious and he adored her.
“My heart is breaking for them and I’m hoping by raising money for Hayden, even a small amount, it will help Katie’s family to support him through the unimaginable hurt they are feeling.
“Nothing can take away the pain Katie’s family are feeling.
“Katie was loved by so many, the love and beautiful words and messages received for Katie and the family mean so much.”
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The JustGiving page can be found at: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/colin-gilbey
Meanwhile, Mihai Hurmuz-Irimia, 28, of Blue Mountains, Wallingford, has been charged with one count of murder.
He appeared at Oxford Crown Court on September 5. Judge Ian Pringle KC remanded him into custody to return to the crown court on October 28 for a plea and trial preparation hearing, when he will be expected to either plead guilty or not guilty to the charge of murder.
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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi