A 23-year-old woman’s family have paid tribute after her body was found in her home in Nottingham, sparking a murder investigation.
Stephanie Irons, 23, known to her loved ones as “Steph” was found in her home by emergency services at 10:07pm on Tuesday, 21 October.
The former Nottingham Trent University graduate, of Westdale Lane West, was an aspiring psychologist and had both a degree and masters in her studies and looked to begin her doctorate in the near future.
Adedapo Adegbola, 40, of Woodborough Road, Mapperley, was arrested on Wednesday, 22 October, and was charged with Stephanie’s murder on Friday, 24 October.
Another 40-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has since been released on strict bail conditions.
Three days after the discovery, the 23-year-old’s family published a statement saying: “Steph had an infectious smile and laugh which lit up any room she walked into.
“She was a beautiful, loving and caring daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. She had a compassion for others and would always see good in everybody.
“She had a huge heart and wore it on her sleeve.
“Her ambition to be a psychologist was well on the way after gaining both a degree and master’s in clinical psychology. After gaining experience, she was about to apply for her doctorate in clinical psychology.
“Our bright young star has had her future taken away and while we can’t comprehend what has happened, she will be forever with us.”
The defendant, Adedapo Adegbola, appeared in Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, 27 October with his next hearing being on Monday, 17 November where he will appear via video link from prison.
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, senior investigating officer of the investigation, said: “This is a truly tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with Steph’s family and friends, who have asked for privacy at what must be an extremely difficult time.”
