MP describes the violent stabbing of teacher Gemma Devonish as ‘shocking and distressing’

The Metropolitan Police has named the man accused of murdering Gemma Devonish in Carshalton last week as James Madden, from Brixton.

Victim: Gemma Devonish

Madden, 38, of Railton Road, was due to appear at Croydon Magistrates Court this morning. He was formally charged with the murder on Saturday.

“Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder,” the Met Police announced.

Gemma Devonish was 42. She was found by officers on Thursday morning after they were called to an address in Nutfield Close, off Wrythe Lane. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Devonish was a teacher at Rosebery School in Epsom. Colleagues at the school described her as “the kindest and most gentle of people”.

David Lach, the school’s headteacher, said that Devonish was a “wonderful teacher” who loved her pupils “so very much”.

Her death was “a terrible shock”, Lach said.

In a statement issued on behalf of the school, they spoke of their devastation at her death: “The entire Rosebery community is devastated by the sudden and unexpected death of Miss Gemma Devonish. Our thoughts are with Gemma’s mother and sister, extended family and friends, at this deeply distressing time.”

And the MP for Epsom, Helen Maguire, said, “This is a shocking and distressing incident, and I know that the communities, both here in Epsom and in Carshalton, where this horrible crime took place, are reeling from the news…

“Let us come together, support one another, and keep Gemma’s loved ones in our thoughts as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.”

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