Student 'stabbed best friend 40 times and left butcher knife in her mouth'

Luisa Cutting, 21, told police: "Arrest me, I killed her"

A student murdered her "best friend" in a frenzied butcher knife rampage at the flat they shared together, stabbing her up to 40 times.

Authorities say Luisa Cutting, 21, left the weapon in victim Alexa Cannon's mouth after attacking her at their flat in Radford City, Virginia, US.

The pair described themselves as "best friends" and wrote "love you" to one another on social media.

In a chilling post prior to moving in together, the 20-year-old victim wrote on Instagram: "Pray that we don't kill each other this year."

Cops discovered her blood-soaked body on Thursday morning, shortly after a call at 7.45am when a police dispatcher heard someone shouting about a knife.

Alexa Cannon was stabbed to death at the apartment the pair shared in Radford City, Virginia

The details of the horrific scene were revealed in a search warrant obtained by the Roanoke Times.

Officers allegedly saw Luisa covered in blood at the off-campus apartment, and she told them: "Arrest me, I killed her."

Posts on social media suggested the pair had a close relationship, and an alleged motive for the murder has not been made clear.

Alexa wrote on Instagram in March about her roommate: "I met this girl two years ago online and somehow we ended up living across from each other for a year, this summer she was equivalent to my mom in Cancun.

The girls described themselves as best friends in social media post

Luisa allegedly left the knife in Alexa's mouth

Victim Alexa wrote on social media "pray we don't kill each other"

"And unimaginably she still puts up with me and now we’re living together next year.

"Love you more Lu and everyone pray that we don’t kill each other this year."

A post on Alexa's Facebook page from July read: "So incredibly proud of my best friend, Luisa Cutting for becoming Latinos Student Alliance’s President!

"I know you’re going to be amazing with everything you do! Love you more!!"

Police found Alexa's body and Luisa covered in blood at the apartment

"This is a tragic moment for our campus community," said the university president 

Luisa is suspended from Radford University as she faces a murder charge 

Luisa, who is suspended from Radford University as she faces a murder charge, replied: "Love you so so much."

Brian Hemphill, Radford University president, said: "This is a tragic moment for our campus community and the Radford family.

"During this difficult time, we ask that you provide support to your fellow Highlanders.

"The days and months to come will also be difficult as we extend our deepest sympathies, as well as our thoughts and prayers, to the family and loved ones of our student."