First Glimpse of Accused Killer in Leeds Teen Murder Case
An 18-year-old woman has been charged with murder after 16-year-old schoolgirl Chloe Watson Dransfield was fatally stabbed in Leeds last weekend.
Chloe was found with multiple knife wounds to her neck and back early on Saturday morning on Kennerleigh Avenue, Austhorpe.
For the first time, accused killer Kayla Smith has been pictured. Smith, who runs a beauty business called “Luxe Aesthetics” from her granddad’s Leeds home, appeared in court alongside two other teenagers linked to the case.
Three Teens in Custody Over Shocking Killing
- Kayla Smith, 18
- Archie Rycroft, 19
- A 17-year-old boy (name withheld)
Another 18-year-old man remains held by police. Meanwhile, a separate 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl have been bailed as investigations continue.
Family in Tears: GoFundMe Launched for Funeral
Chloe’s cousin, Shantelle Watson, set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs. She said:
“My 16-year-old cousin’s life was sadly taken in tragedy. She didn’t even make it to 18 – her whole life was taken in a flash over a boy. Her mum is distraught; she has left two younger siblings behind.”
Shantelle added, “She was so full of life, such an innocent, beautiful soul taken too soon.”
Police Plead for Public Help in Murder Inquiry
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, leading the investigation, said:
“Our thoughts remain with Chloe’s family at this incredibly difficult time. Our specially-trained officers continue to provide them with support. Five people arrested on suspicion of murder remain in custody as we work to uncover the full circumstances.”
He urged anyone with information to come forward.
This brutal knife attack over a teenage row has shocked Leeds. Chloe was only 16 when she was stabbed to death on her home streets. Our hearts go out to her devastated family. Let’s hope the courts deliver swift and tough justice.
