Two teenagers accused of fatally stabbing 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa in a brutal attack on a London bus “must have known” their victim was aboard, a court has been told.
Kelyan, an aspiring rapper, was targeted on the back seat of the route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Street just before 2:30 p.m. on January 7. He was stabbed around 27 times with machetes, suffering a severed femoral artery and succumbing to his injuries shortly after paramedics arrived.
Two boys, aged 15 and 16, have been charged with Kelyan’s murder. Both defendants, who cannot be named due to their age, appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday for preliminary hearings.
“Not a Spontaneous Incident”
Prosecutor Tom Little KC described the attack as premeditated, telling the court, “The two defendants must have known the deceased was on the bus. They approached him and almost instantaneously pulled out machetes, attacking the deceased.”
Little detailed how the pair carried out the frenzied assault, allegedly stabbing or attempting to stab Kelyan a total of 27 times before fleeing the scene. One of the weapons was reportedly discarded in the River Thames.
Court Appearances and Timeline
The younger defendant, 15, appeared first via video link from Feltham Young Offender Institution. He spoke only to confirm his identity before Judge Mark Lucraft KC set dates for the case, including a plea hearing on April 14 and a provisional trial on October 13. The 15-year-old was remanded in custody.
The older defendant, 16, appeared in person in Court One of the Old Bailey later in the day. He also confirmed his identity and was remanded into custody.
Family and Community Grief
Members of Kelyan’s family attended the brief hearings, visibly emotional as they heard the harrowing details of the attack.
Kelyan’s death has left the Woolwich community in shock, with tributes pouring in for the teenager. Known for his passion for music, Kelyan had aspirations of becoming a rapper. Friends and family have described him as “kind-hearted” and “full of potential.”
Legal Proceedings Continue
As the legal process unfolds, the case has drawn attention to the rising issue of knife crime among young people in London. The trial, scheduled for October, is expected to provide further insight into the events leading up to the fatal attack and the motives of the accused.
Police have urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as investigations continue.
More news from Feltham
