Murdered Oswestry girl was a straight A student

Feb 7 2010 Special Report by Philip Vinter, Sunday Mercury

Reports of crippling mounting debts in the family’s wholesale florist business have been suggested as a possible motive for why Frankie’s father Hugh murdered both her and her mother Susan at the £300,000 family home.

But Mrs Lloyd said she had never seen any behaviour to suggest that there was anything wrong.

A student at the school who laid flowers yesterday, but asked not to be named, said: “I knew Frankie at school. There were no signs of odd behaviour. I’m sure something will turn up as the days go by.”

Hannah Shepherd, 18, laid a wreath outside the family home for the girl who had been her best friend at primary school.

“I remember we all decided we could sing and made this silly little pop group,” she said. “Frankie was really fantastic fun to be around.

“She loved music, but she was quite athletic as well. She was one of those girls who would have a go at anything.

“She was a bright and beautiful girl who was always so full of fun,’ she said.

After leaving The Marches, Frankie went on to study for her Chemistry and Biology A-Levels at Oswestry School, where she was equally popular.

Max Payne, 17, her date for the Oswestry School Valentine’s ball, said he was devastated to lose his girlfriend. “I am just lost for words,” he said. “We were supposed to be going to the school ball, along with many other friends that she made during her short time at Oswestry.

“I just don’t understand it. Frankie and I never had any discussions about her home life that would indicate she had anything other than a great relationship with her mother and father.

“We were great friends and I will miss her so much.”

Neighbour Dennis Andrew said the family kept themselves to themselves. “They did not have many visitors coming round,” he said. “Although they did have the odd barbecue in the summer.”

A steady stream of people left floral tributes and other gifts outside the family home yesterday. Many of them were poignant messages for Frankie. One, from Ali T, read: “We have a massive hole left in our lives Frankie which no-one will be able to replace.”

Another, from Pez and Frank, read: “Frankie I will never forget you. I’m so sorry, you’ll always be my best friend.

Fjion and Family wrote: “I have fond memories of being with you all whilst growing up. You may be gone, but I won’t forget you.”

A young boy and fellow pupil at Oswestry School who placed flowers outside the house yesterday said the school was already thinking of an appropriate tribute for Frankie.

“I’m on the School Council and we’ve already started thinking about how we could pay tribute to her,” he explained. “She was a nice girl.”