Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for Scarlett Vickers, a 14-year-old schoolgirl who was killed by a single stab wound to the chest. Scarlett was found dead at a home in Darlington on Friday, and her parents, Simon Vickers, 48, and Sarah Hall, 44, appeared in court today charged with her murder.
Flowers and messages have been left at the scene, honoring Scarlett’s memory. During a brief hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, the couple only confirmed their names, dates of birth, and addresses. The court heard that an “incident” led to the “fatal stabbing of their 14-year-old daughter.” Prosecutor Sarah Kemp stated, “It was one knife injury which resulted in her death.”
District Judge Hood remanded Vickers and Hall into custody, with their next court appearance scheduled at Teesside Crown Court on August 5. They were not asked to enter pleas. The tragic incident unfolded around 11 p.m. when police and paramedics were called to the address. Despite their efforts, Scarlett was declared dead at the scene, as per reports Daily Mail.
Tributes have since flooded in for the “funny” and “friendly” schoolgirl, with candles and flowers placed outside her home. Su Gill, the Principal of Haughton Academy, where Scarlett was a pupil, described her as “a lovely girl with a great sense of humor. She was always immaculately turned out, respectful, and polite. A very friendly girl, she was popular with her friends and will be greatly missed by the school community.”
The school has created a memorial space for students and parents to lay flowers in Scarlett’s memory. “This is a very difficult time for us all, but we know we can get through it by coming together as a strong community and by remembering Scarlett in our own ways,” the academy stated.
Neighbors and locals have also shared their memories of Scarlett. One neighbor said, “Scarlett was full of life and she was always out with her friends like a normal 14-year-old girl.” Another added details about the family, mentioning that Simon works for the 3M manufacturing plant, while Sarah stays at home with their dog, Buster.
Heartbroken friends and family have taken to social media to pay tribute to Scarlett. One person wrote, “You will be missed,” while another said, “She was such a good friend to everyone and made me laugh all the time.” As the community mourns the loss of Scarlett, the investigation continues, and her parents remain in custody awaiting their next court date.