Amy Leigh Barnes

Amy Leigh Barnes was a model for Playboy and Cosmopolitan who was found stabbed to death in her Manchester, England, apartment on November 8, 2008. Three days after Barnes' body was discovered, authorities formally charged amateur soccer player Ricardo Morrison with her murder. Morrison has been identified as Barnes' former boyfriend.FOX News: Teen Model Stabbed to Death in London Apartment (November 10, 2008) FOX News: Soccer Player Charged in Stabbing Death of Teen Model (November 12, 2008) Morrison's police officer mother has also been arrested in connection with the murder.BBC News: Officer held over model stabbing (November 12, 2008)

Despite Barnes's young age, she was a friend of several football players in England, many of whom posted messages to her Facebook page. Barnes reportedly dated South African footballer Benni McCarthy.Times Online: Footballers Join the Tributes to Murdered Model Amy Leigh Barnes

Barnes was the daughter of college art teacher Karyn Killiner. She studied performing arts at Pendleton College and reportedly taught drama to young people at The Phoenix, a charity workshop.Times Online: Footballers Join the Tributes to Murdered Model Amy Leigh Barnes

"We are absolutely distraught and destroyed more than words can say. We loved our baby so much. She was our reason for living. She was the most beautiful princess."—Statement from Barnes's parentsTimes Online: Footballers Join the Tributes to Murdered Model Amy Leigh Barnes

"I have always modelled but I have never really entered any competitions before, and I didn't really think this would come to anything. It was just something I thought I would have a go at, and I am really pleased I have got through to the finals. I want to stick with modelling. I've been getting more and more work and my parents are behind me all the way."—Amy Leigh Barnes, on becoming a finalist for Miss British IslesTimes Online: Footballers Join the Tributes to Murdered Model Amy Leigh Barnes