JOY MORGAN’S family can finally say goodbye and lay her to rest after a body found in Stevenage last Saturday was confirmed to be hers.

The remains of the murdered student were found near to an area of woodland that had previously been searched by police.

Morgan’s mum, Carol, said: “Joy was so beautiful and completely lived up to her name – she brought joy to all our lives. Our family has been living a nightmare and we miss her so, so much. Joy was studying to be a midwife and would have graduated by now. I know she would have been amazing as a midwife. I was so proud of her and I always will be. She was our star.”

DCI Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “My thoughts are with Joy’s family at this difficult time and while nothing can end their pain, I hope that this gives them closure and I am glad that they will now have the opportunity to say goodbye to Joy.”

Police attended the scene where Morgan’s body was found after they were called by a member of the public at 7.43am on Saturday October 5. The body was found in woodland off Chadwell Road, Stevenage.

Morgan was last seen in Ilford on December 26 2018. 

In August this year, Shohfah-El Israel, 40, of Fordwych Road, London, was found guilty of her murder. 

Israel refused to reveal where Morgan’s body was.

He is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years.