Shock and sorrow have swept through communities in both Cambodia and the United Kingdom following the tragic stabbing death of British national Jessica Cariad Hopkins, 34, in Phnom Penh late on Friday, August 29, 2025. The incident, which police believe was the result of a personal dispute rooted in a love triangle, has left friends, family, and colleagues mourning the loss of a woman widely remembered for her kindness and adventurous spirit.
According to local police and multiple reports from outlets including BBC News and The Daily Mail, Hopkins was discovered with multiple stab wounds in a park in the Chamkarmon district, just south of Phnom Penh’s city center, shortly before midnight. Authorities found her lying in a pool of blood, her throat slit—a detail confirmed by Commissioner Chuon Narin of the Phnom Penh Police, who described the crime as grisly and the result of a likely romantic dispute.
Hopkins, originally from Harpenden in Hertfordshire, England, had been living in Cambodia for some time, renting a property in the Chroy Changvar district of the capital. She was known among friends and neighbors as a caring, positive presence. Tributes poured in on social media, with one neighbor, Sophors Chheoun, writing, “I am heartbroken to lose my lovely neighbor and dear friend Jessica Cariad Hopkins. She was such a caring person, always there for me and my family, helping in ways big and small. Her kindness, her smile, and her generous heart meant so much to me. It feels unreal that she is gone.” Another friend described Hopkins as “the most beautiful soul and very kind heart,” while yet another recalled, “She was so kind and every time I was around her, always had a positive energy. Such a sweet soul… too soon.”
Police quickly launched an intensive investigation, spending nearly 17 hours combing through evidence and interviewing witnesses. Their efforts led to the arrest of Kidikila Nganda Glodie, a 33-year-old Congolese national, at a hair salon about 1.5 miles from the scene of the killing on Saturday afternoon, August 30. Video footage shared by local media showed Glodie being taken away in handcuffs, calmly answering questions from officers as she was escorted out of the salon. Commissioner Chuon Narin confirmed the arrest, stating that “early investigations suggest the motive may be linked to romantic jealousy.”
Details about the alleged love triangle have not been fully disclosed by authorities, but police have been unequivocal in their belief that the fatal attack was motivated by a personal dispute involving both women. As reported by LADbible and The Sun, Commissioner Narin said, “The attack was motivated by a love triangle, in which both women were allegedly involved.” This theory has dominated local coverage, but so far, no further information about the relationships or the events leading up to the stabbing has been made public.
The case has also highlighted the role of bystanders and the impact of social media on criminal investigations. Two women who witnessed the murder reportedly livestreamed the aftermath to social media, drawing sharp criticism from police. According to The Daily Mail and corroborated by local Cambodian outlets, the witnesses were chastised by officers for their actions but later cooperated with the investigation and were allowed to leave after questioning. In a dramatic development, deputy police chief Haut Kong of the Chamkarmon district was dismissed and stripped of his rank after allegedly verbally abusing the witnesses at the scene.
Hopkins was remembered not only for her warmth and generosity but also for her sense of adventure and love of travel. Her social media accounts chronicled years of exploration across Southeast Asia, including time spent in Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor’s ancient ruins, and on the beaches of Koh Tao, where she described the diving as “magical.” She also shared memories of paragliding with her brother Jerome, writing, “Flying with my brother, amongst the birds, above the mountains with our heads in the clouds.” Her zest for life and willingness to embrace new experiences endeared her to friends both in Cambodia and back home in the UK.
Following the arrest of Glodie, police have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as authorities piece together the events that culminated in Hopkins’ death. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed its involvement, telling BBC News and The Sun: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Cambodia and are in contact with the local authorities.” The FCDO’s support has been vital for Hopkins’ family, who are now grappling with the aftermath of her sudden and violent death.
Hopkins’ killing has also sparked conversations about the safety of expatriates and travelers in Cambodia, a country that has long attracted foreign nationals with its rich culture and affordable lifestyle. While violent crime against foreigners remains relatively rare, this incident has served as a sobering reminder of the potential risks, even in seemingly tranquil settings. Authorities in Phnom Penh have sought to reassure both locals and the international community that justice will be served and that they are committed to a thorough and transparent investigation.
The outpouring of grief following Hopkins’ death has been matched by calls for greater awareness of the dangers posed by personal disputes and the sometimes unpredictable dynamics of expatriate life. Friends and acquaintances have continued to share memories and condolences online, painting a portrait of a woman who was deeply loved and whose loss will be felt keenly by many.
As the investigation continues and the Cambodian legal process unfolds, attention will remain focused on the facts of the case and the pursuit of justice for Jessica Cariad Hopkins. For now, those who knew her are left to mourn a life cut tragically short, remembering her not for the circumstances of her death, but for the light she brought to those around her.
