Woman, 32, convicted of stabbing mum, 31, to death in front of her child at birthday party
A WOMAN has been found guilty of brutally stabbing a mother to death at a London house party.
Hope Rowe, 33, attacked Charlotte Lawlor with a knife at a property in Stepney Green, east London, on September 15 last year.
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Emergency services found Ms Lawlor in the foyer of the tower block just before 2am.
Charlotte Lawlor suffered multiple stab wounds at the hands of Rowe with some of the victim's friends and family witnessing the brutal attack.
Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical staff, Lawlor passed away from her injuries.
Inner London Crown Court heard that Rowe stabbed Lawlor following an argument and then fled the scene in a car with her partner, Leigh Holder, 37.
Armed cops caught up with the fleeing vehicle shortly after 2:10am and discovered only Leigh Holder inside.
He told cops that Rowe had jumped out of the car shortly after fleeing the crime scene and claimed he didn't know where she was.
The court heard that Rowe left a voicemail on Holder's phone as they drove away together, which recorded her telling him that it was 'good' she had killed Ms Lawlor, before Holder instructed her to dispose of the knife and to avoid the police.
The knife used to kill Lawlor has never been found despite the best efforts of police.
In the early morning the following day the court heard Rowe went to Bethnal Green Police Station where she was arrested on suspicion of murder.
She provided no comment during a police interview and later claimed her actions were due to a momentary loss of control.
On Friday, a jury at the London court found Rowe guilty of murder and Holder guilty of perverting the course of justice.
Rowe and her partner Holder will be sentenced at the court on July 9.
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Det Sgt Dean Musgrove, from the Met Police's specialist crime north unit, said: 'Hope Rowe launched a brutal attack on Charlotte Lawlor at what should have been a joyous occasion.
'Our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends, who will have to contend not only with the loss of a loved one, but with the trauma of having witnessed the killing.
'As if the killing was not senseless enough, Rowe then tried to deceive investigators, disposing of the knife before turning herself in.
'It still has not been found to this day, and both Rowe and her partner were incriminated by a voicemail accidentally recorded on Rowe's phone.'
The victims parents said in a statement they were 'happy' with the verdict, adding: 'We would like to thank the jury for their attention during the trial.
'The family will never get over the loss and murder of Charlotte. It has destroyed us, leaving a gaping hole.
"Charlotte's son, Riley, has been left without a mum, and siblings without their older sister and best friend. Charlotte brought light to everyone's life.'
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