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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Jenny Kirkham

The women at the centre of three tragic murder probes launched within four days

The three women at the centre of separate murder investigations "deserved better" after being found dead in their homes.

Merseyside Police are currently probing the death of each woman that happened in Wavertree, Southport and Leasowe within days of eachother.

Thousands of tributes have since poured in for Rose Marie Tinton, Helen Joy and N'Taya Elliott-Cleverley as their loved ones desperately seek justice.

Two men have been since charged and appeared in court over two of the deaths, while another suspect remains in hospital after being hit by a train.

But the people who knew these women best are making sure they are remembered for who they were as people before their tragic deaths.

Thousands of tributes have been shared about the three women online showing that they each deserved better.

The ECHO has decided to take time to remember each woman from the words of those who knew them best.

N'Taya Elliott-Cleverley

N'Taya Elliott-Cleverley was found dead at her home on Prince Alfred Road, in Wavertree, in the early hours of Friday, January 29.

The 20-year-old was described as a "mini Beyonce" by her friends who said she had a heart of gold.

One friend posted: "Can’t believe this has happened to such an amazing, gorgeous friend.

"Thinking about Tay's family, St Julie's girls and her friends. You will be missed by so many people.

"We will all keep our memories close. Goodnight our mini Beyoncé we love you."

Another friend said: "Thinking of all my St Julie's girls and her family.

"I can’t believe it, she had a heart of gold."

Posting on social media, another friend wrote: "RIP N'Taya gone to soon thinking of your baby and family at this sad time."

Another friend added: "RIP Beautiful lady."

Teenager Mohammed Diakite, aka Nigel Diakite, was charged with the murder of N'Taya before appearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.

The 19-year-old, of Prince Alfred Road, will next appear in court on April 26, when he will be expected to enter his plea.

Rose Marie Tinton

(Liverpool Echo)

Rose Marie Tinton, known commonly as Marie, was discovered when police were called to her house on Folkestone Road in Southport.

Officers attended the property at around 8.40pm on Friday, January 29 and found the 77-year-old dead in her home.

Former friends from the Baháʼí Faith spoke of their affection for Mrs Tinton, who lost her husband John in the last 18 months.

Along with her husband, she was a former director of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of Sefton, before resigning in 2002.

One former member of the religion said: "I got to know Marie in the late 1990s.

"Shortly afterwards she decided to register as a member of the Baha'i Faith and became a member of our Community in Southport.

"Marie lived quite close to the supermarket where we shopped and I used to pop in to say hello.

"Marie always welcomed people into their home where we shared cooking ideas and had many meaningful conversations which always brought smiles and laughter and our friendship grew."

The friend added: "As with all things our circumstances changed and Marie travelled quite a lot to somewhere in Liverpool to be near her family.

"She was a warmhearted and kind person and was there for other people.

(Liverpool Echo)

"I met her on the local bus and visits to her home ceased as we moved house.

"Thinking of Marie's family I am sending my condolences and saying that she will be missed for her quiet, gentle attitude and calm way she dealt with the challenges she had to face."

Just hours before Marie was found dead, a man was hit by a train near Kirkdale Station with enquiries leading police to Marie's home where she was found.

The 47-year-old was later arrested on suspicion of murder.

The ECHO understands he is very seriously injured and the process of questioning him has been significantly delayed because of his condition.

Helen Joy

Mum-of-three Helen Joy was found dead in her home on Monday, February 1 after police were called.

Emergency services arrived at the property on Twickenham Drive, in Leasowe, shortly before 11am before tributes began flooding in from her friends and those who knew her.

The 54-year-old was described as an "angel" with her heartbroken children also paying tribute.

In a statement issued by Helen’s three children – two grown up grown up daughters and a son - said: “The news of our mum’s death came as a massive shock to us all and we are all heartbroken.

Helen Joy, 54, has been named by police after her body was found in a flat on Twickenham Drive in Leasowe. (Merseyside Police)

“We didn’t always see eye to eye but she was our mum and we are all devastated by what has happened.

“We are happy that mum is no longer in pain and is now safe with the angels and now we just want justice for her.”

Kevin Ashton, 45, also of Twickenham Drive was charged with murdering Helen and appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Friday.

He will appear at the crown court for a plea hearing on Tuesday, February 9.

Anyone with information that could help police should contact officers by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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