British woman stabbed to death in Cambodia – police

A 34-year-old British woman, Jessica Cariad Hopkins, was stabbed to death in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on August 29, 2025, in an incident that police attribute to a love triangle, leading to the arrest of a Congolese national. Her body was discovered with multiple stab wounds in a park in the Chamkarmon district late on Friday night, sparking an immediate investigation by local authorities. Hopkins, originally from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, had been living in Cambodia for several years, often sharing her travels and adventures on social media, including posts about diving in Koh Tao and paragliding with her brother, which painted a picture of a vibrant and adventurous life. The suspect, Kidikila Nganda Glodie, was arrested after approximately 17 hours of police work, during which she was located at a hair salon in central Phnom Penh, and video footage of her arrest has circulated online, drawing further attention to the case. Police have stated that the murder likely resulted from a romantic entanglement or love triangle involving Hopkins and Glodie, though specific details about their relationship remain unclear and under investigation. During the inquiry, an incident occurred where two witnesses were allegedly verbally abused by Deputy Police Chief Haut Kong when they attempted to speak to media, resulting in his dismissal for misconduct, which has raised concerns about the professionalism of the investigation process. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed that they are providing support to Hopkins’ family and are in contact with Cambodian officials to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, highlighting the role of international consular assistance in such tragedies. This event has underscored ongoing safety issues for foreign nationals in Cambodia, particularly in tourist areas, and may prompt discussions about improving security measures and the handling of criminal cases involving expatriates. As the legal proceedings move forward, with Glodie expected to face murder charges, the case will be closely monitored for its implications on justice and cross-border cooperation, serving as a somber reminder of the risks associated with travel and living abroad.