14/02/2011

Nikitta Murder Accused Remanded

A 26-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a pregnant teenager in Newport.

Gwent Police arrested Carl Whant, of Newport, on suspicion of murdering Nikitta Grender last Wednesday.

He was remanded in custody to appear at an unspecified crown court on Wednesday.

The accused will also face a charge of child destruction when he appears before Caerphilly magistrates.

Nikitta Grender's body was discovered following a fire at her flat in Liswerry in the city on 5 February. 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. 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.

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

(BMcN/GK)

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09 February 2011
Man Arrested Over Nikitta Grender Murder
Detectives have arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the murder of a pregnant teenager on a Newport estate. Gwent Police confirmed the man, from Newport, was arrested on suspicion of murder. Nikitta's body was discovered following a fire at her flat in Newport early Saturday morning.
08 February 2011
Investigation Continues Into Nikitta Grender Murder
Gwent Police are continuing with their investigations into the murder of 19 year old Nikitta Grender and are appealing for any residents who have private CCTV outside their homes to come forward so it can be examined. Officers are examining CCTV from a number of different sites across the City.
10 February 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.
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Man Admits Double Killings
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