LONDON — An 18-year-old has admitted to charges related to the tragic deaths of three young girls and the injuries inflicted on 10 others during a stabbing incident that occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in England last summer.
Axel Rudakubana entered his guilty plea unexpectedly at the beginning of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court. He has been charged with three counts of murder, alongside 10 counts of attempted murder, as well as additional accusations connected to the possession of the toxin ricin and having an al-Qaida manual.
The stabbings took place on July 29 and led to significant unrest in various regions across England and Northern Ireland, following a false report that Rudakubana was an asylum-seeker who had recently arrived in the UK by boat. However, it was later revealed that he was born in Wales.
A judge announced that Rudakubana could receive a life sentence when he is scheduled for sentencing this Thursday. Defense attorney Stanley Reiz indicated that he would provide information regarding Rudakubana’s mental health that could play a role in the sentencing process.
Throughout the proceedings, Rudakubana has chosen not to speak in court and initially refused to disclose his identity when the trial began. The prosecutors have not revealed what they believe may have instigated the violent rampage.
The aftermath of the stabbings saw a surge of rioting in numerous cities, with violent groups primarily composed of men who were incited by far-right activists on social media. These groups targeted mosques and hotels that housed migrants, engaged in assaults against the police, and set vehicles ablaze during clashes in various locations. Over 1,200 individuals were arrested as a result of the disturbances, with many receiving prison sentences of up to nine years.
Rudakubana has been charged with the murders of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged 7, and Bebe King, aged 6. In addition to the ten girls injured, their ages ranging from 7 to 13, the attack also left dance instructor Leanne Lucas and a neighboring business owner, Jonathan Hayes, wounded after he attempted to intervene. Fortunately, 15 other young attendees at the dance class, aged as young as 5, remained unscathed.
Months following his arrest, Rudakubana faced further charges concerning the production of ricin and possession of materials likely to aid someone in committing or planning a terrorist act due to a document found on his computer. Authorities have stated that the stabbing incident is not classified as terrorism at this time, as the underlying motive has yet to be established.
