A fifth person has been charged as part of a South Wales Police murder investigation into the death of 22-year-old Liam Woolford in Pontypridd last month.
Mr Woolford died in Rhydyfelin after police were called to reports of a disturbance at Poets Corner shortly before 1am on Tuesday, 23 September. Three men in their 20s were taken to hospital with injuries, but Mr Woolford sadly died as a result of his wounds.
South Wales Police have now confirmed that Zoe Peters, 36, of Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, has been charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to wound another. She is due to appear before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court today, Tuesday, 28 October.
Four others have already been charged in connection with the incident and appeared in court on Saturday, 27 September.
Jake Staples, 24, of Porth, has been charged with murder, attempted murder, wounding with intent, conspiracy to wound another, and possession of a bladed article. Ethan Ross, 23, of Rhydyfelin, faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to wound another, and possession of a bladed article. Abeyshake Karunanithy, 22, of Tonteg, has been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to wound another, and possession of a bladed article. Jesse Wandera, 30, of Rhydyfelin, is charged with conspiracy to wound another.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “A fifth person has been charged in connection with the Rhydyfelin murder investigation. Zoe Peters, 36, of Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, has been charged with attempt murder and conspiracy to wound another. She will appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court this morning, Tuesday, October 28.”
Detective Inspector Rebecca Merchant added: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Liam Woolford at this difficult time. I would like to thank the community of Rhydyfelin for their continued support during this ongoing investigation and would urge anyone with relevant information who hasn’t yet come forward to do so. Please quote occurrence number 2500304909.”
Earlier this month, on Friday, 10 October, members of the local community gathered at Mount Pleasant in Porth—close to where Mr Woolford lived and went to school—to pay tribute to the 22-year-old.
His sister Lauren described Liam as someone who “would make friends with absolutely anyone and everyone” and “was always a pleasure to be around”. She said: “He had the most outgoing personality,” adding that her family “will never be the same” without him.
“In my eyes, it wasn’t a 22-year-old that died that day,” she said. “It was an amazing brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, friend, brother-in-law. But more importantly, a grandson and son.”
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact South Wales Police via the Live Chat service on their website or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 2500304909. Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously.
