Teen Charged in Southport Dance Class Stabbings

Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old, appeared via videolink at Liverpool Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing regarding the stabbing deaths of three young girls—Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven—during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on July 29. Rudakubana faces 16 charges, including three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, possession of a knife, and production of the biological toxin ricin. The hearing revealed that Rudakubana, who chose not to respond during the proceedings, is scheduled for trial starting January 20, 2024, with an expected duration of four to six weeks. The attempted murder charges involve eight unnamed children, as well as the dance instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes. Following the attack, a peaceful vigil took place, which was later marred by riots fueled by misinformation. Rudakubana remains in custody at HMP Belmarsh until his next court appearance.