Teen Duo to Face October Trial Over Brutal Stabbing of 14-Year-Old Kelyan Bokassa on Woolwich Bus
Shocking Attack on Route 472 Bus
Two teenagers are set for trial this October over the savage murder of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa. The aspiring rapper was viciously stabbed on a Woolwich bus earlier this year.
The shocking assault happened just before 2:30pm on January 7, aboard the route 472 bus near Woolwich Church Street. Kelyan suffered a staggering 27 stab wounds, including a severed femoral artery. Despite frantic efforts by medics, he died shortly after arriving at the scene.
Court Battle Kicks Off at Old Bailey
The accused boys, aged 15 and 16, appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday. Judge Mark Lucraft KC set a plea hearing for April 14 and pinned the trial start date for October 13.
Prosecutor Tom Little KC blasted the attack as cold-blooded and planned. He told the court:
“It is clear this is not a form of spontaneous incident. The two defendants must have known the deceased was on the bus.
They approach him and almost instantaneously the two of them pull out machetes and attacked the deceased. He is stabbed or attempted to be stabbed on a total of 27 occasions before the defendants made their way off the bus.”
One of the machetes is said to have been thrown into the River Thames after the stabbing.
Victim’s Family Attend Hearing as Teens Remain in Custody
The accused, both unnamed due to their age, remain remanded in custody. Kelyan’s family were present in court, visibly affected by the proceedings.
Woolwich Community in Shock, Calls for Knife Crime Action
Kelyan’s brutal death has rocked the Woolwich neighbourhood, sparking renewed demands for tough measures against knife crime and youth violence.
As the case moves forward, all eyes remain on the Old Bailey where justice will be sought for Kelyan later this year.
