Teen admits to killing 3 in dance class attack

Teen admits to killing 3 in dance class attack
Teen admits to killing 3 in dance class attack

A British teenager, Axel Rudakubana, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to murdering three young girls during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last July. The 18-year-old admitted to killing Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, along with attempting to murder 10 others in what prosecutors described as a "meticulously planned rampage."

Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time of the attack, also pleaded guilty to terror-related charges, including producing ricin and possessing an al-Qaeda training manual. Government sources revealed he had been previously referred to the counter-terrorism Prevent programme multiple times due to his obsession with violence.

The attack, which occurred at the Hart Center in Southport, led to nationwide riots fueled by online misinformation about the perpetrator's background. Approximately 1,200 people have been arrested in connection with the subsequent unrest, with over 400 charged and dozens jailed.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for answers regarding the state's failure to protect the victims, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced a public inquiry into the attacks. The incident shocked the nation, drawing visitors from across the country to pay respects, including King Charles.

Born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, Rudakubana had a history of violent behavior, including a previous exclusion from Range High School in Formby. Just a week before the attack, his father had prevented him from returning to his former school.

Judge Julian Goose scheduled sentencing, noting that a life sentence was "inevitable," though a whole-life term is not possible due to the defendant's age being under 21. The victims' families were not present in court for the unexpected guilty pleas.