A man accused of stabbing his wife to death as she was on her way to pick up her three children from school has been remanded in custody.
Ricardo Godinho, 41, appeared in court after Aliny Mendes was killed in broad daylight on a residential street.
The 39-year-old Brazilian woman died at the roadside in Ewell, Surrey last Friday afternoon.
Godinho of Kingston Road, Epsom, only spoke to confirm his name, age and address with the help of a translator, when he appeared at Staines Magistrates Court today (Mon).
Wearing a plain grey jumper, his face was blank when he stood in front of the three magistrates.
He faces charges of murder and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a knife or pointed blade in a public place.
Godinho will appear at Guildford Crown Court at 2pm today (Mon) and will be defended by Andrew Bullivant
Sending him for trial, Ms Jenny Spencer said: “You will be sent for trial at Guildford Crown Court where both of your charges will be dealt with.
“You will be remanded in custody until then.”
Godinho who is of Brazilian and Italian nationality was arrested by Surrey Police officers and held over the weeken before being charged last night.
Another man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released without further action.
Police said the tragedy has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).
Dozens of flowers line the residential street where the mother-of-three was stabbed to death during the afternoon school run.
She was described by her sister as a “caring” and having a “wonderful heart”.
According to locals, the Brazilian-born mother dedicated her spare time raising money for the community and was well loved in the area.
By Isabel Dobinson