A High Wycombe woman who was ‘stabbed to death’ in London was due to move back to her hometown after landing a dream job in a luxury hotel, it has been revealed. 

Tributes have flooded in for Samantha Clarke, 38, who was found with multiple stab wounds at an address in Brixton in April 15 - days after celebrating her son’s 14th birthday. 

Mrs Clarke, who grew up and went to church in High Wycombe, was said to be planning to move back to her hometown with her husband Paul and her son after starting a new job at the Red Lion Hotel in Henley in March. 

Detectives investigating her tragic death, which happened at a house in Sudbourne Road, have arrested a 21-year-old man named Jordan Clarke on suspicion of murder. 

Her heartbroken parents, Wilmoth and Camilla Bullock, still live in High Wycombe. 

In a tribute piece on a memorial website to Samantha, her relatives said she was “devoted” to her family, adding: “She lived for her son and wanted only the best for him. 

“Through all the challenges that life threw at her, Samantha was a fighter and though struggling at times, rose up, dusted herself off and grew stronger.”

Her devastated friends and family say they are “still in shock and disbelief” at her death. 

Janice Thomas, from High Wycombe, said: “My beautiful Samantha, you were taken from us so suddenly. Words cannot express how I feel. Rest in peace my darling until we meet again.” 

Vern and Vida Bullock said they are “deeply saddened by such a senseless tragedy”, adding: “There are simply no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. Cousin Samantha was a beautiful person. 

“Losing a loved one is never easy but to lose someone in this awful manner is heart-wrenching. We wish we could be there with you all.”

Clarisser Cupid said she has memories of Samantha as a “young, beautiful” teenager in High Wycombe who was “actively involved in God’s work.” 

Natasha Bullock-Odero added: “I have happy memories of Samantha when she visited St Vincent in her childhood days. It was such a pleasure to know her then although we didn’t stay in touch as adults. Her passing was such a shock and I grieve for my cousin and her family as they heal.”

Another family member, Yvonne David, added: “I am thankful for the fond memories I have of Sam as a baby, growing up, we shared many lovely times together. 

“We are all saddened by what has happened, the sudden loss of your precious daughter.”

Mrs Clarke’s tragic death comes amid a surge in violent crime and stabbings across London, with the current total at 62.  

At least 36 people have been fatally stabbed in London since the beginning of the year.

Four teenagers were stabbed to death in London on New Year’s Eve alone, and 22 were killed in March - meaning the capital now has a higher murder rate than New York, which has seen 21 killings. 

The alleged murder of Mrs Clarke’s is understood to be the 59th this year and happened on a night of violence with three stabbings in the capital.

In a tribute on the Seventh-Day Adventist Church website, calls were made to crack down on violent crime before any more victims are killed. 

The statement said: “Since the beginning of the year, there have been over 60 deaths in London as a result of gun and knife crime.

“It becomes much closer and more personal. How long will this trend continue?”

  • Jordan Clarke, 21, of Sudbourne Road, Brixton, has been charged with murder.