A 25-year-old mum and her toddler daughter have been identified as the tragic victims at the heart of a murder inquiry in Scotland.
The bodies of 25-year-old Bennylyn Burke and her two-year-old daughter Jellica were discovered in the city of Dundee on March 18.
Bennylyn and Jellica’s family have been informed and are being supported by police family liaison officers.
A 50-year-old man has appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court charged with the murders of Bennylyn and Jellica, the Daily Record reports.
Dundee police officers investigated the property on Friday March 5, this year, in connection with their probe into the disappearance of Bennylyn and Jellica.
The pair who had been reported missing from South Gloucestershire earlier on March 1.
A second child found at the property is being supported by police.
A friend of Bennylyn’s earlier paid tribute to the mum and her beloved Jellica – describing what the past few weeks had been like.
The woman – who wished to remain anonymous said: “Bennylyn is so friendly and such a loving mother. She smiles all the time – a simple and happy woman.
“Jellica is such a sweet little girl, very cuddly.
“The moment we see each other, she always gave you a cuddle and then always sat on your lap and kissed you.”
Bennylyn, a full-time mother, was born in the Philippines and moved to the UK after marrying.
Her friend added: “I was crying and crying. I felt so down and kept on praying and hoping that they are still alive.
“We prayed together by Zoom on Mother’s Day.
“The moment we knew the bodies had been found, we were so sad.
“My tears can’t stop falling, it is so painful.”
Bennylyn’s sister Shella Aquino, speaking from her home in the Philippines, said her heart was broken by the loss of her sister.
“I can’t explain what I felt, sometimes I forgot what I was going to do in my daily chores.
She said: “For me it’s very painful.
“It is like my heart has been torn by the pain – I can’t stop crying. I just want to see and hug them.”