Teen Charged in Murders at Taylor Swift Dance Class
Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with the murders of three girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. He was named in court after a judge lifted reporting restrictions.
Rudakubana appeared at Liverpool Crown Court, where Judge Andrew Menary KC ruled before remanding him in youth detention. He was previously unnamed due to his age but would have lost anonymity upon turning 18 next Wednesday.
The victims, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed on Monday. Eight other children were injured, with five critically hurt. Two adults were also critically injured.
Rudakubana faces charges of attempted murder of two adults, yoga instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, as well as the eight children. He is also charged with possessing a bladed article, a curved kitchen knife. Earlier on Thursday, he appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing.
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