Pictured: US man accused of stabbing British trainee nurse, 23, to death ‘in row over a cat’ at Texas flat they shared as devastated university pays tribute to student ‘motivated by love’

This is the first picture of a man accused of stabbing to death a British trainee nurse at their shared flat in Texas in a row over a cat.

Chester Lamar Grant, 40, has been charged with murdering Elizabeth ‘Tamilore’ Odunsi, 23, and appeared in court on Saturday following her death a week earlier.

Elizabeth, who was also known as Tami, had been due to graduate as a nurse after a three year course from Texas Women’s University in Houston the same day he appeared in court.

The court heard that the pair had rowed over Grant’s cat and after stabbing her multiple times he then tried to slash his throat and was found with serious injuries.

His police mugshot shows him with a bandage to his neck and he was remanded in custody with a bond of $500,000 (£375,000) and he is due to appear in court again later this month.

Relatives of Tami’s have set up a GoFundMe page in her memory and an initial target of £40,000 has been smashed with more than £60,000 raised.

In a statement to MailOnline, Texas Women’s University said: ‘We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Texas Woman’s University student Elizabeth “Tami” Odunsi. 

‘Our campus community mourns her loss, and we send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Chester Lamar Grant (pictured) has been charged with murder

Elizabeth, who was also known as Tami, (pictured) had been due to graduate as a nurse after a three year course from Texas Women’s University in Houston

The court heard that the pair had rowed over Grant’s cat and after stabbing her multiple times he then tried to slash his throat and was found with serious injuries

Relatives of Tami’s have set up a GoFundMe page in her memory and an initial target of £40,000 has been smashed with more than £60,000 raised

‘Tami was majoring in nursing and was set to graduate in spring 2025. Her journey into cardiovascular nursing was inspired by her mother’s brave struggle with a cardiac condition. 

‘Motivated by both love and purpose, Tami was determined to become a source of compassionate care for others, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

‘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. 

‘Despite the many challenges she faced, Tami found a home at Texas Woman’s University, where her aspirations aligned with our mission, and where she quickly became an inspiration to all who knew her.

‘The university is offering counselling and other appropriate services to those most closely impacted by this tragedy.’