Teen Charged with Murder in Walsall Stabbing

Deng Chol Majek, an 18-year-old charged with the murder of 27-year-old Rhiannon Skye Whyte, has refused to appear for his first crown court hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Whyte died on October 23, three days after being stabbed at Bescot Stadium station in Walsall, leading to the upgrade of charges from attempted murder to murder. Despite having an interpreter available, Majek did not communicate with his lawyer or appear via videolink from HMP Manchester. Judge Michael Chambers KC stated the case would proceed as if Majek was contesting the charges, with a trial potentially scheduled for April 2025. A further hearing is set for December 13, where it is expected that Majek's legal representatives will meet him in person. The family of Ms. Whyte expressed their devastation in a statement, highlighting her loving nature and the significant loss felt by those who knew her.