The man accused of fatally stabbing three young girls in Southport, England, has pleaded guilty. In court today, he admitted to three murders and ten attempted murders.
This marks the first day of the trial. Last year, in July, the then-17-year-old entered a community center where children were practicing dance routines to singer Taylor Swift’s songs and killed girls aged 6, 7, and 9.
Two adults and eight other children were injured. The suspect, now 18, was arrested shortly after the incident.
Due to his minor status at the time, his name was initially withheld. Unfounded rumors about his identity circulated online, falsely claiming he was a radical Islamic refugee.
He was later identified as Axel Rudakubana from Cardiff, with Rwandan parents. Following the incident, violent protests erupted in the UK, involving right-wing groups and resulting in attacks on mosques and asylum centers, with over 1,200 arrests.
Until now, Rudakubana had remained silent, but he pled guilty to all 16 charges when they were read out. Additionally, he admitted to producing the poison ricin and possessing al-Qaida training materials found in his home.
Although these materials were discovered, police have stated the case is not treated as terrorism due to an unknown motive. The judge indicated that a life sentence is inevitable.
The victims’ families were absent today, as the case fully commences tomorrow, with a verdict expected on Thursday.
Source: NOS