Body found in Stevenage confirmed as Joy Morgan

A body found in a woodland near Stevenage has been identified as missing student Joy Morgan.

The University of Hertfordshire student went missing on Boxing Day 2018.

In August, 40-year-old Shohfah El-Israel, from London, was jailed for her murder but never revealed where her body was.

Police searched the land off Chadwell Road in February, but found nothing. However, on Sunday 5 October a member of the public reported finding a body and it has now been confirmed as the 20-year-old.

Carol Morgan, Joy’s mum, said: “Joy was so beautiful and completely lived up to her name – she brought joy to all our lives.

"Our family has been living a nightmare and we miss her so, so much.

"Joy was studying to be a midwife and would have graduated by now. I know she would have been amazing as a midwife. I was so proud of her and I always will be. She was our star.”

A post-mortem examination was carried out on Tuesday 8 October but it was unable to establish the cause of death.

Detective Chief Inspector Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “My thoughts are with Joy’s family at this difficult time and while nothing can end their pain, I hope that this gives them closure and I am glad that they will now have the opportunity to say goodbye to Joy.”