Boyfriend who stabbed ‘sweet’ teacher to death at her Carshalton home is sentenced
Met Police)</i>" data-nimg="fill" />The boyfriend of a teacher who was stabbed to death at her home in Carshalton has been sectioned after he admitted manslaughter.
Gemma Devonish, 42, was found dead at her flat in Nutfield Close on the morning of December 19, 2024.
She had been stabbed numerous times by her partner, James Madden, who was arrested at his home in Brixton hours later.
Gemma, who worked at Rosebery School in Epsom, was described as a “phenomenal” teacher.
Gemma Devonish (Image: Met Police)
More in News
“Although Gemma is gone, she will never be forgotten. She has left behind an amazing legacy and we will try our best to carry this forward.”
Flowers laid for Gemma Devonish (Image: Samia Tossio)
Det Insp Adam Guttridge, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Gemma’s death was an unspeakable tragedy and our thoughts remain with her family, as they continue to process her dreadful loss.
“I would like to pay tribute to the incredible strength and dignity they have shown through the court process.
“Gemma’s life was cruelly cut short by someone she trusted and whom she had tried to help.
“Her death has left behind a void for her family, friends, her former colleagues and pupils.
“The Met is committed to tackling violence against women and girls and would urge anyone who has suffered violence at the hands of a partner or loved one to contact police.”
After Gemma was killed flowers placed next to a memorial bench on Trinity Square, with a sign reading #SayHerName.
The bench was created by local artists Samia Tossio and her sister Hana Horack-Alyafi, to raise awareness to women and girls who have been killed by male violence.
It was unveiled by Sutton Council on March 2022, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Many tragic tributes were shared by those who knew her.
Rosie Friend said: “RIP Miss Devonish, you were so loved by so many people and looked out and supported so many of us going out of your way to make sure that everyone was supported and put smiles on everyone’s faces.”
Niki Hodson-Aubrey said: “How lucky were we to know this incredible woman and how lucky were her students to experience her radiance and phenomenal teaching.
“A true beauty, taken selfishly in her prime by someone who just couldn’t handle her light. Shine bright Gemma.
“You will always be remembered for your sparkle. We keep your light burning through our candles as you remain always in our heart.”
The head of Roseberry School, an all-girls school, described Gemma as “the kindest and most gentle of people” who was “devoted to her work and loved her pupils”.
David Lach told the BBC: “She was a wonderful teacher who inspired a love of her subject among all her students and went above and beyond to offer her time, expertise and care to the students in her classes and in her year group.
“Her loss to our school is incalculable, but she leaves the most incredible legacy in the hundreds of students that have been touched by her energy, passion and empathy.
“The hearts of the Rosebery community will be broken by this awful news, but the strength of our school has always been the way we have supported each other in times of adversity.”
