The Case of Georgia Williams

Georgia Williams, 17, was murdered by her friend Jamie Reynolds at his home in Wellington, Shropshire, on 26 May 2013. Reynolds had lured Georgia to the house under the pretence of taking photographs before killing her by hanging. He pleaded guilty to murder and received a whole-life sentence.

Georgia was a popular and accomplished student who had been head girl at Ercall Wood Technology College. She was involved with the RAF Air Cadets, was an all-round sportswoman and hoped to pursue a career in the RAF. She was also a mentor and student councillor who supported victims of bullying. Georgia and Jamie Reynolds knew each other through their local community. On 26 May 2013, Reynolds persuaded Georgia to come to his parents' home in Wellington, telling her that he wanted her to participate in a photography project. Reynolds had secretly planned the killing and had prepared the equipment he intended to use. He persuaded Georgia to participate in what she believed was a simulated hanging photograph before turning the situation into a real attack.

Georgia was murdered inside Reynolds' parents' home on Avondale Road in Wellington while his parents were away. After killing her by hanging, Reynolds transported her body to a remote woodland location near the Nant-y-Garth Pass in North Wales, where it was later discovered during the investigation into her disappearance.

Georgia was reported missing after leaving her family home in Wellington on the evening of 26 May. A nationwide search was launched, and Reynolds became a suspect after evidence established that she had died at his home. Reynolds was arrested in Glasgow after travelling north following the murder. Police subsequently recovered photographic evidence and other material linking him to the killing. Georgia's body was found in woodland near Wrexham on 31 May 2013. Reynolds initially denied responsibility and later claimed to have little memory of the killing. He eventually pleaded guilty to murder at Stafford Crown Court on 2 December 2013, shortly before his scheduled trial.

Jamie Reynolds was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole-life order at Stafford Crown Court on 19 December 2013, meaning he would never be released from prison. The sentencing judge described the murder as meticulously planned and said Reynolds had the potential to become a serial killer.

The sentencing judge described Georgia as an impressive young woman who brought joy to her family and friends. Her family were described as devastated by her death and by the circumstances surrounding the murder.