In Southport, England, a dance and yoga class with a Taylor Swift theme was stabbed to death, and a 17-year-old guy has been charged with the murders of three small girls. Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, Bebe King, 6, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, are the victims of the teen’s alleged murders, according to a news release from Merseyside Police. The incident happened on Monday, July 29 at approximately 11:50 a.m. local time.
Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, the suspect, is also accused of ten charges of attempted murder and possessing a bladed instrument, according to the press statement. In court on Thursday, the suspect’s name—which had previously been withheld—was disclosed. At Liverpool Crown Court, Rudakubana, a resident of Banks, Lancashire, made an appearance and was placed under remand in juvenile custody. In line with The Guardian, a tentative trial date of January 20, 2025, is planned for October 25, along with a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Ongoing Investigation and Support
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy stated, “Whilst these charges are a significant milestone within this investigation, this remains very much a live investigation and we continue to work with our partners from Lancashire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW).” She also expressed gratitude for the support Merseyside Police has received from other forces, “I would like to thank all of the forces who have offered and supplied support to Merseyside Police during the last three days and I can confirm that we are being supported with investigative resources from across the North West.”
PEOPLE inquired about more information from the Crown Prosecution Service Mersey-Cheshire. Eight more children were stabbed during the attack, five of whom are in severe condition, according to a news release issued by police on Tuesday. Two other adults, among them the event’s organizer, yoga instructor Leanne Lucas, are critically ill. According to Chief Constable Kennedy, who expressed gratitude for the adults’ efforts, “We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.”
Response to the Tragedy
The incident, which is not being treated as terror-related, took place at a property on Hart Street. The event was intended for children aged 6 to 11 and was scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. local time. Following the attack, Taylor Swift shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram Stories, expressing her shock and sorrow: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock… The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders.”
Taylor Swift added, “These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”
This devastating incident has left the community in mourning as authorities continue their investigation. The focus remains on providing support to the affected families and ensuring justice is served for the victims.
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