Jodi aunts in murder appeal

Diane Inkster and Agnes Petkevicius spoke to reporters

Aunts of murdered teenager Jodi Jones have appealed to the public for help in catching her killer.

Diane Inkster, 41, and Agnes Petkevicius, 46, said the only thing helping the 14-year-old's family through their grief was the hope that her killer would be apprehended.

At a media conference in Dalkeith, Midlothian, the aunts urged anyone with suspicions about who the killer might be to get in touch with police.

They described their niece, from Easthouses, as a "thoughtful, typical teenager", who enjoyed life to the full.

This present is for you to look back on the fun times and remember how much you love us and we love you Inscription on Jodi's present to her mother

The schoolgirl's body was discovered on a footpath on the outskirts of Dalkeith just over a fortnight ago.

She had been the victim of a frenzied knife attack.

The aunts, who both live in Bonnyrigg, read a statement from Jodi's mother - their sister Judy - which paid tribute to her daughter

They also showed a picture frame which Jodi had made for her mother as a birthday gift and symbolised how considerate she was.

The painted picture frame contained a photograph of Jodi and her brother Joseph and sister Janine.

The aunts took it in turns to read Jodi's mother's statement.

Turning to the text, Mrs Inkster began: "I'm going to give you the personality of my baby.

Jodi was described as a thoughtful teenager

"This frame is painted in the colours of my kitchen, the three photos were carefully chosen in that their ages are matched and the difference in gaps between them.

"And on the back is written: 'To Mum, Happy Birthday. This present is for you to look back on the fun times and remember how much you love us and we love you. I hope you put this in the kitchen and look at it while you cook and remember you made us eat horrible food. Lots of love. Jodi.'

"This was Jodi, always of great thought, consideration, love and humour."

Mrs Inkster went on to read a further appeal from Jodi's mother to anyone who thinks they know who committed the crime to get in touch.

She said: "Someone I believe at this time is still in turmoil about doubts they have about someone close to them."

Continuing the statement, Mrs Petkevicius said "They are not protecting this person, they are just in unacceptance about the person. Someone they know could be capable of such a thing.

"You have to break through that unacceptance and denial and come forward for the protection of other children.

"It is so hard to comprehend how someone could do that to another human being Agnes Petkevicius

"Don't let someone else's baby be taken. Come forward, please."

The conference was the first time family members have spoken publicly about the murder.

They said: "We have agreed to speak to the media on behalf of our sister Judy and for all of Jodi's family who have been devastated by her murder.

"Obviously this is a very difficult time for the family but we hope that by making this public appeal someone who may know what happened to Jodi or has information for the police will come forward."

The aunts said Jodi was a typical teenager who loved clothes, music and fashion.

Mrs Petkevicius said: "Jodi always considered herself and others as individuals and did not like being labelled."

She was a "particularly thoughtful and private person" who put time and effort into making gifts for her friends and family.

Speaking about the killer, Mrs Petkevicius said: "It is so hard to comprehend how someone could do that to another human being."