Three teenagers charged with murder after 16-year-old girl stabbed to death in Leeds
Three teenagers have been charged with murder following the death of a 16-year-old girl in Leeds.
Last night (Mar 30), West Yorkshire Police formally named Chloe Watson Dransfield, of Gomersal, who was found unconscious in Kennerleigh Avenue, Austhorpe, at around 6am on Saturday.
She had been stabbed and died in hospital later that day.
Now, Kayla Smith, aged 18, of Kennerleigh Avenue in Leeds, and Archie Rycroft, aged 19, of Middleton Park Road in Leeds, have been remanded in custody to appear before Leeds Magistrates’ Court today.
They will appear along with a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons. All three self-define their ethnicities as White British.
An 18-year-old man from Leeds who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody. An 18-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy who were arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The charges come after Chloe’s family paid tribute to her on Monday night.
They said: “My beautiful princess Chloe. I cannot put into words how I feel that you are not here with me.
“You are my life, my world, my best friend and I know that I am yours. I cannot live without you - I need you.
“You are stunning, confident, loyal, honest and my family-oriented princess.
“When you walk into any room it lights up with your bubbly personality. There is so much I could say. There’s a big hole in my heart that can never be filled.
“Your two sisters and big brother will always love and miss you to infinity. You will always and forever be in our hearts. Love Mum, Connor, Courtney and Cienna.”
A second tribute reads: “Our family is utterly devastated by the loss of Chloe.
“We miss every single thing about her. She was beautiful, full of joy, and had a wonderfully cheeky personality.
“She embraced life with such happiness, and she had her whole future ahead of her.
“Chloe was loved by everyone who knew her, and the absence she leaves behind is immeasurable.
“We will miss her forever, she will never be forgotten. Love you always and forever Dad, Sacha, Reuben, Mia, Amelia, Grandma, Grandad and Uncle Jordan.”
A fundraising page set up on Sunday (March 29) has already raised over £13,000 for Chloe’s funeral, as tributes have poured in for the teenager.