An Epsom man has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of Aliny Mendes in Ewell last week.
Ricardo Godinho, 41, of Kingston Road in Epsom, was charged on Sunday evening (February 10) and is due to appear at Staines Magistrates Court in the coming week. A second man, believed to be in his 50s, was also arrested and charged with assisting an offender.
The incident occurred at approximately 15:00 GMT when Mendes, a 39 year-old mother-of-four, was attacked in broad daylight at the junction of Sparrow Farm Roam and London Road in Ewell, as she was en route to pick up her children from school. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, from Surrey Police, said in a statement that the attacker and victim are believed to be known to each other, and described the incident as “tragic and shocking”.
He added: “This was a tragic incident where sadly a woman lost her life as a result of the injuries she sustained.
“The victim’s children are being provided with the support and immediate care they need at this difficult time.”
In response to her death, a JustGiving page was set up to raise money for Mendes’ family, provide legal support and repatriate her body to Brazil. It reached over £42,000 in just two days, more than doubling its original goal.
“Please can you find it in your hearts to support this very worthy cause and help these poor children who will now grow up without parents,” said Vanessa Ferro, founder of the page.
She added: “Her friends, church community, colleagues and her family in Brazil and other parts of the world are in total shock at the loss of this wonderful person.”
Despite achieving 110% of its target sum, the JustGiving page is still active and open to further donations.
