Two teens admit murder of schoolboy stabbed 27 times on Woolwich bus
Horrific Machete Attack Causes Tragedy
Two 16-year-old boys have pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa. The schoolboy was stabbed a staggering 27 times in a targeted machete assault aboard a Route 472 bus in Woolwich on January 7.
The chilling attack happened around 2.30pm as Kelyan was heading home. Emergency crews rushed to Woolwich Church Street, near Woolwich Ferry, but despite their efforts, Kelyan died from a severed femoral artery shortly after arriving at the scene.
“An Aspiring Rapper’s Life Cut Short”
Kelyan, described by family as a “loving boy with dreams of becoming a rapper,” was sat at the back of the upper deck when the two attackers boarded the bus. They walked straight to him and launched the savage assault without warning.
Old Bailey Court Hearing
On Friday, May 24, the accused teens appeared at the Old Bailey. They admitted to both murder and possession of a knife in a public place. Their identities remain shielded by law due to their age.
Family members broke down in court as grisly details of the attack emerged.
Prosecutor Tom Little KC said: “It is clear this is not a form of spontaneous incident. The two defendants must have known the deceased was on the bus. They approached him and almost instantaneously pulled out machetes and attacked.”
27 Stab Wounds, One Fatal Attack
The teenagers delivered around 27 blows before fleeing the scene. One of the machetes used was later found discarded in the River Thames.
Met Police Make Rare Public Appeal
In an unusual step, the Metropolitan Police named the suspects and released CCTV footage during the investigation—showing the urgency and severity of the case as they hunted for the killers.
Sentencing Date Set for July
Judge Mark Lucraft KC has ordered pre-sentencing reports ahead of the July 25 hearing. The judge will also consider lifting reporting restrictions on the teens’ identities at that time.
Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to contact the Met Police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
