Elizabeth Tamilore Odunsi, who moved from the UK to Texas to study nursing, was stabbed to death in her US home but she was allegedly attacked following a row with her roommate over their cats
A British student nurse, 23, who was stabbed to death in her home – just days before she was due to graduate – was “brutally murdered” allegedly over a disagreement with her roommate about their cats.
Elizabeth Tamilore Odunsi, known as Tami and from London, was stabbed in her home in Houston, Texas, where she had been studying. The Houston Police Department said officers were called to an apartment complex for a welfare check when they saw blood on the patio on April 26 and then the body of Tami was found. A local report has since suggested a disagreement about pets could have led to the “murder”.
Her body was found lying on the kitchen floor and she was covered in multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Police added that a man with at least one stab wound was taken to hospital in a critical condition but cops have since confirmed to The Mirror that he was then arrested on suspicion of murder and was booked into jail.
Homicide detectives reportedly told local news outlet KHOU 11 the dispute that allegedly turned deadly stemmed from an argument between the suspect and victim about their pet cats. The Houston Police Department was not able to confirm nor deny this report but it told The Mirror there had been “ongoing disputes” between the two.
The suspect, believed to be a 40-year-old man, allegedly attempted to take his own life by stabbing himself around six times after the alleged altercation. The suspect and the victim had allegedly been roommates for around two months before Tami was stabbed to death, detectives told KHOU 11.
Her devastated family has raised over £56,000, through a GoFundMe page set up by her sister Georgina Odunsi, to bring Tami home and “give her the peaceful and dignified farewell she deserves”. It reads: “With heavy hearts, we share the devastating loss of our beloved sister, daughter, and friend, Tamilore Odunsi—known to her TikTok family as Tami Dollars or TD.
“Tami was a beautiful soul, full of light, ambition, and kindness. She was just 23 years old. A devoted Christian, she was a God-fearing young woman who found strength and joy in her faith. She had a deep love for her church community, where she was actively involved and always eager to serve others with humility and grace.
“She moved from the UK to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, dedicating herself to a life of care and service. Tami had a special love for children and always dreamed of making a difference in young lives through her future work in healthcare. Outside of her studies, she brought joy to others through her love for creating content and expressing her vibrant personality.”
Tami regularly posted on TikTok while studying nursing at Texas Woman's University and her final video was on April 21 where she talked about being close to graduation. The university has said it was “deeply saddened” over her death.
They said in a statement: “At just 17, Tami moved alone from London to Houston, bravely adapting to a new country, a new culture, and a new academic system – all just months before the pandemic began. She made a tremendous impact on our university community, and her legacy will continue to inspire us.”
** For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website. **
