Lawrence Johnson Faces Murder Charge After Alisha Samuels Dies

A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder and attempted murder following a fatal stabbing in Newton Heath, Manchester, where Alisha Samuels, 26, was found with serious stab wounds after police responded to a disturbance on October 15. Lawrence Johnson, of Dorking Avenue, has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on October 21.

According to Greater Manchester Police, the charges relate to Samuels' death and the attempted murder of a man during the incident on Dorking Avenue at approximately 2 a.m. on Thursday, October 15. Samuels was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said Johnson was charged on Tuesday, October 20. The investigation remains ongoing as officers work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant, the senior investigating officer with Greater Manchester Police, said investigators were continuing to examine the circumstances of Samuels' death and seeking information to help her family understand what happened.

"We are continuing to work into establishing the full circumstances of Alisha's tragic death and to provide Alisha's family with some answers." Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant said.

Bryant confirmed that the charge had not brought the investigation to an end. Officers are continuing to pursue evidence and information connected to the incident.

"We have now charged a man, but our investigation is not over." Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant said.

The senior investigating officer also thanked people who had already assisted the inquiry and emphasized the importance of information from the public.

"I'd like to thank those that have called and supported our investigation thus far. Your reports are always taken seriously and prove vital to our work." Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant said.

Police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with relevant mobile phone recordings, CCTV footage, or doorbell camera footage to come forward. Greater Manchester Police is seeking information that could help officers establish the full sequence of events.

"I urge others who may have information, no matter how small, to please come forward." Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant said.

The case follows several arrests in the days after Samuels' death. According to the Liverpool Echo, three people were initially arrested on October 15 in connection with the investigation. A 26-year-old man from Merseyside was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder on October 19.

Separately, Sky News reported that a 25-year-old man who had previously been arrested was no longer being treated as a murder suspect as of October 16 and had been released on police bail.

Samuels' death has also prompted an effort to support her family. Her best friend, Carris Mallon, established a fundraising page to help Samuels' parents cope with the loss. In a tribute published by the Liverpool Echo, Mallon described Samuels as a "precious soul" and said the funds would go toward supporting her parents during their bereavement.

As of the Liverpool Echo's report on October 20, the fundraising campaign had collected more than £14,000 toward its £20,000 target. Johnson remains in custody ahead of his scheduled court appearance on October 21.