A woman whose remains were found in two suitcases previously lived in Croydon, it has emerged.
The body of Phoenix Netts, 28, was found dismembered close to a quarry, near Coleford in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, on Tuesday, May 12.
Detectives used DNA analysis to confirm it was Ms Netts, however it is unclear at this stage how she was killed or exactly where she died.
According to a family member, Ms Netts used to live in Croydon before moving to Birmingham.
Her aunt, Ana-Liliana Netts, told MailOnline: “I’m shocked that she has died in such a horrific way. I hadn’t seen her since she was little, but she was a lovely, sweet-natured girl. Her father used to tell me proudly how clever she was.
“She used to live in Croydon, she was from a very nice family. They must be heartbroken.”
The 55-year-old added: “I didn’t know that Phoenix had been living in Birmingham. She did have another aunt up there.
“I always remember her as a nice little girl. I’m so sorry she died like this.”
Police discovered the two suitcases containing Ms Netts’ remains in woods after a vehicle was spotted being driven suspiciously nearby.
Gloucestershire Police said a post-mortem examination on the body parts found had been inconclusive.
Exactly where Ms Netts was killed is still unknown and officers continue to follow-up a number of enquiries in a bid to establish what happened.
In a tribute released by police, Ms Netts’ family said they are “devastated”.
Their statement read: “As a family we are devastated with what has happened to Phoenix.
“We ask most humbly that our familys privacy is respected whilst we grieve and come to terms with the loss of Phoenix in such tragic circumstances.
“Whilst we understand this is a news story, we hope everyone can understand why we need to be left alone at this very difficult time.
“We have family and good friends supporting us and our thanks go out to all of them.
“We would also like to thank all the police officers involved in the investigation for their hard work and sensitivity.”
Two people charged in connection with the murder appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday (May 19).
Gareeca Conita Gordon, 27, from Salisbury Road, Birmingham was charged with the murder of a woman on or before May 12.
Mahesh Sorathiya, 38, from Denmore Gardens, Wolverhampton was charged with assisting an offender on or before May 12.
Gordon was remanded into prison, while the court granted Sorathiya conditional bail, and both are next due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on August 4.
