Families have paid tribute to a woman and three children killed at a home near Sheffield, as an investigation into their deaths continues. The bodies of John Paul Bennett, 13, Lacey Bennett, 11, their mother, Terri Harris, 35, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, 11, were discovered at a home in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, on 19 September. Damien Bendall, 31, from Killamarsh, is to stand trial next year charged with the murders of Harris and the three children. He is expected to appear in court again in November. Specially trained officers continue to work with family members of the deceased, who on Thursday paid tribute to their loved ones. Jason Bennett, John Paul and Lacey’s father, said: “Life will never be the same again. Families have been left broken by the awful loss of John, Lacey, Terri and Connie. “My son John was absolutely my mini me. Loving, fiery, funny and passionate, with the most beautiful caring heart you could find. Behind his tough exterior he was the most loving son you could wish for. His love for his mum was amazing. He just wanted everyone to be happy. “Lacey was my TikTok queen, creating dance after dance. Lacey also had another obsession; since Jack Grealish joined Man City she has become totally besotted with him, with a room full of Jack Grealish photos. Man City was her new favourite team.” Kerry Shelton, Connie’s mother, said: “Anyone who knows Connie knows just how special she is. Connie had an amazing imagination and was always ready to put on a show, especially at Christmas when she would write plays to act out with her brothers and sister. At birthdays, Halloween or at any given chance Connie would be organising, making or baking. She always made things so special.” Connie’s father, Charles Gent, added: “I can’t believe I’m even having to say this, or these words even cross my lips. The pain is indescribable. I wake up every morning hoping this has all been a terrible nightmare, but it’s not. It’s the unbearable reality that my little girl has gone. “Connie was an absolute superstar in every way. She had a gift. If someone was down, she could instantly make them feel OK. She lit up every room she went in and meant something to everyone she came across, even in hard times. Connie had the ability to keep everyone smiling.” In a joint statement, Harris’s parents, Angela Smith and Lawrence Harris, said: “[Terri] made many friends throughout her short life and remained loyal to all of them. She was an amazing mum; her babies were her world. “Terri would put herself out not just for her family and friends but anyone who needed her help. She absolutely loved her work as a care worker and would go above and beyond for the people she cared for.” They added: “She was her mum’s rock throughout her illnesses and was absolutely idolised by all her grandparents. Terri idolised them back in return.” A spokesperson for Derbyshire constabulary said the provisional cause of death for all four victims had been identified as “blunt force trauma”. The full findings of the pathologists’ reports will be made available to the inquests into the four deaths, likely to take place next year following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings against Bendall.