The trial for the Woolwich bus stabbing of Kelyan Bokassa is set for October 2024, following a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey.
Woolwich: A tragic incident unfolded on January 7 when 14-year-old Kelyan was stabbed around 27 times on a bus. It happened just before 2:30 PM on route 472 at Woolwich Church Street.
Kelyan, who dreamed of being a rapper, suffered a severed femoral artery and sadly passed away shortly after help arrived.
Two boys, aged 15 and 16, are facing charges for his murder. They appeared at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing on Monday.
During the hearing, Judge Mark Lucraft KC scheduled a plea hearing for April 14 and set a provisional trial date for October 13.
The prosecutor, Tom Little KC, shared that Kelyan was sitting at the back of the bus when the two attackers, armed with long machetes, approached him.
It was clear this wasn’t a random act; they seemed to know Kelyan was there. They pulled out their machetes and attacked him almost immediately.
In total, he was stabbed or attempted to be stabbed 27 times before the attackers fled the scene. One of the machetes was reportedly thrown into the River Thames afterward.
Both teens are currently in custody, and Kelyan’s family was present in court during the brief hearings.
