In Memory of Jessica Aimee Chapman and Holly Marie Wells
Holly and Jessica were best friends and both 10 years old when they died on August 4, 2002. They both went to St Andrew's Primary School and later Sotham Village College. Ian Huntley, a janitor at Sotham College, was charged with their murders, and his girlfriend Maxine Carr, a teaching assistant at St. Andrews, was charged with lying him an alibi and helping him dispose of the bodies, which were found on August 17.
Huntley did not deny that they were in his house when they died, but said Holly and Jessica's deaths were accidents. Carr testified against him. Huntley was convicted of both murders and given two life sentences. He had a record for sex offenses and should never have gotten the job at Sotham in the first place.
Both girls were friendly, generous and loving children. Jessica the more tomboyish of the two; she enjoyed swimming and football (soccer). Both Holly and Jessica were fans of the Manchester United football team and idolized player David Beckham, who sent flowers to their funerals. Holly played the cornet, was a majorette, and enjoyed singing and dancing. A stained-glass window in St. Andrew's Primary School was dedicated to both girls after their deaths.
Holly & Jessica
By Dave Emmerson
Holly and Jessica
Sadly you have gone
Taken from this world
At such a tender age
Taken from your Kin
From The people
Who loved you the most
People will mourn
Your passing
As your Souls to heaven
Ascend
May the Lord
Be there to greet you
And Guide you on your way
And May The Lord
Look down upon
Those whose left behind
To those whose hearts are breaking
Whose Life will never be the same
May the Lord comfort them
In this their Hour of need
