Teenagers Charged with Woolwich Bus Murder: Court Hears Harrowing Details

Two teenagers have been charged with the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa on a Woolwich bus, with court hearings revealing harrowing details of the attack as the community mourns the loss of the aspiring rapper.

The accused, a 15-year-old boy from Woolwich and a 16-year-old boy from Plumstead were charged early on Thursday, 16 January. They appeared in separate hearings at Bromley Youth Court later the same afternoon, where chilling details of the attack were revealed.

The court heard that Kelyan, an aspiring rapper described as “kind and caring” by his grieving mother, was stabbed approximately 27 times while on a Route 472 bus near Woolwich Church Street. The attack occurred on Tuesday, 7 January, as Kelyan was on his way home from school.

A Fatal Journey Home

Emergency services were called at 14:28 to reports of a stabbing on the bus near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road. Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended, but Kelyan tragically died shortly after their arrival. The court was told he succumbed to a severed femoral artery.

Both defendants, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke only to confirm their identities during their court appearances. They were dressed in grey sweatshirts and remanded in custody at a youth detention centre. Their next appearance is scheduled for Monday at the Old Bailey.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigations

The charges follow a manhunt conducted by the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command. Three arrests were made on Wednesday, 15 January, including a 44-year-old woman accused of assisting an offender. She has since been released under investigation.

A Family Devastated

Kelyan’s mother, Mary Bokassa, paid tribute to her son, saying, “I can’t believe he is gone. I cannot believe it.” She described him as a boy who loved football and was always kind-hearted.

Friends and community members held a vigil at a local church overlooking the bus stop where the stabbing occurred. One of Kelyan’s friends remembered him as having a “pure heart” and someone who “would always be there for you.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the police or Crimestoppers.