The boyfriend of a woman found dead in an East Kilbride flat has appeared in court charged with her murder. The body of 21-year-old Phoenix Spencer-Horn was found at the Glen Lee property in St Leonard’s on Monday November 18.
Ewan Methvan, of East Kilbride, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday November 20 charged with killing the ‘popular’ young woman. The 26-year-old made no plea and was remanded in custody before another court appearance due within the next eight days.
Phoenix worked locally in the Strathaven Hotel and Roasted cafe in Strathaven. It is believed she had been working on Friday but a source said she had failed to turn up for a shift on Monday.
Shocked locals watched as a convoy of police and ambulances turned up on the quiet residential street just after lunchtime that day. Detective Chief InspectorSusie Cairns, Lanarkshire CID, said: “Phoenix’s family are obviously stunned and completely devastated by what has happened and we will continue to support them and those affected during this very distressing time.”
Social media tributes were paid as the news of Phoenix’s death spread. Ciara Dixon said: “I am absolutely speechless, Phe you did not deserve this, how can this world be so cruel! Rip angel. Friendship I will never forget x.”
Another said: “Rip Phoenix Spencer-Horn, may you rest in eternal peace. Gorgeous girl throughout. I will remember and cherish our memories x. She was so loving and caring, she didn’t have a bad bone in her body.”
Her school friend and Miss Scotland 2024 finalist, Grace McCabe, wrote a touching tribute on how Phoenix helped her get through her “hardest time”. It read: “I had a hard time at the end of school and she consistently reached out, was my friend and supported me through the hardest time. I wish she got all of the happiness and success I knew was out there for her.
“I am devastated for Phoenix. I am so grateful to have known her. She was truly so astonishingly kind, warm and generous to every single person. She deserved the very best this life had to offer her. Rest in peace beautiful girl, we will miss you.”
Anna Neary, a grandparent of one of her friends, commented: “Beautiful Girl! My three granddaughters from Glassford know her and went to the same school in Strathaven. It’s heartbreaking. I can’t stop thinking about her and her family.”
Leah Caitlin added: “The most incredible girl inside and out. It was such an honour to grow up with you. RIP sweet girl.” Others were “completely devastated” and described Phoenix as an “amazing, bubbly girl who always made people smile”.
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