Boy, 13, Charged With Murdering Foster Mother - Sky News

4:35pm UK, Sunday June 26, 2011

A 13-year-old boy has been charged with murder after he allegedly stabbed his foster mother to death in the family's Scotland home.

Foster mum Dawn McKenzie 'will be missed by everyone who knew her'

Dawn McKenzie, 34, died from serious injuries suffered in her Hamilton house in South Lanarkshire late on Friday.

A neighbour reportedly rushed to the house after hearing a commotion and tried to save her.

Strathclyde Police arrested a teenager at the scene in connection with her death.

Ms McKenzie had given up her nursery nurse job at the private Glenburn House Nursery in east Kilbride last November so she could become a full-time foster mother.

Dawn was a loving wife, daughter, sister, niece, aunt and friend who will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

Dawn McKenzie's family

She is believed to have been foster caring for about eight months with her husband Bryan.

Relatives have paid tribute to the "loving" woman and said her 36-year-old builder husband was in a state of shock.

The family said in a statement he was "badly shocked" and unable to speak to anyone at this time.

The statement issued through police added: "The McKenzie and Byrne families are devastated and numb with grief at the loss of Dawn.

The alleged murder happened in the family home on Deveron Crescent, Hamilton

"Dawn was a loving wife, daughter, sister, niece, aunt and friend who will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

"She was nursery nurse, nanny and helped mothers and children throughout her working life.

"The families would like to thank everyone who has helped them at this difficult time and for the messages of sympathy and support which they have received."

The boy is expected to appear before Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday.