The family of teenage girl found dead in the street have said their ‘hearts will be forever broken’.
Lily Whitehouse, 19, was found with multiple fatal injuries in Park Street, Oldbury at around 9.50pm on Wednesday.
She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Mohammed Azim, 41, will appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday.
Police were performing fingertip searches of a tree-laden area in Oldbury close to where her body was found.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
Friends have organised a balloon release party for Lily’s family next weekend as they demand justice for her death.
Her cousin Katie Whitehouse paid tribute on Facebook: ‘To me, she will always be my “Lil Bil”.
‘My baby cousin, my sister, my forever.
‘She is part of me and always will be. I will love you forever, Lily. Your story isn’t over … we will fight for the justice you deserve.
She added: ‘Our hearts will forever be broken.’
Relative Leon Whitehouse, said he was ‘devastated’ by her death. He posted on Facebook: ‘God bless you. Love you RlP angel.’
Her childhood best friend Millie, posted an emotional video of them playing on a trampoline as little girls.
In a post, she asked: ‘How cruel can this world be?
‘You lit up every single room you stepped in and there was never a dull moment with you around, my Lil.
‘You were the sister I never had. I’ve never felt pain like that.’
Lily’s friend James also posted on Facebook: ‘I am very severely devastated to hear about the loss of a friend whose life was taken so soon.
‘A very much loved and friendly person who cared for everyone. The memories we shared together will never be forgotten.
‘Such a bright young lady.
‘You will stay in our hearts and I know God has been looking after you up there. We will miss you so much and will love you till we meet again.’