Man Who Fatally Stabbed 3 Children at Taylor Swift-Themed Event Is Sentenced to Life in Prison

Mar. 15, 2025

The man who fatally stabbedthree young girlsat aTaylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class last summer in Southport, England has learned his fate.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 52 years after admitting to his role in the the deadly July 2024 attack, Merseyside Police announced in Thursday, Jan. 23, press release shared with PEOPLE.

On Monday, Jan. 20, Rudakubana, 18,pleaded guiltyin Liverpool Crown Court to killing Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, on July 29, 2024, at a Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space community center.

“That he chose to plead guilty on the first day of trial at least spared the families and all those affected a trial that they had until that moment feared would compound their grief and distress further," Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye said in the release.

From left: Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.Courtesy of Merseyside Police

Courtesy of Merseyside Police

Rudakubana, of Banks in Lancashire, pleaded guilty to all 16 charges against him, including murder attempted murder and possession of a knife, police said. He also pleaded guilty to two terror-related charges after being accused of possessing the poison ricin and for possessing an Al-Qaeda training manual.

Rudakubana was 17 when he carried out the stabbings, which alsowounded eight other childrenand two adults, including event organizer andyoga teacher Leanne Lucas. The class was advertised for children between the ages 6 and 11,The Telegraphreported.

Police said he used a knife bought online days earlier and took a taxi to the center without paying the driver.

“There were 26 children at the party, all of them happy and enjoying themselves," Judge Julian Goose said during the sentencing hearing, per the police press release. “He targeted those children for the horrific, extreme violence he was intent upon. It was such extreme violence of the utmost seriousness it was difficult to comprehend.”

The judge added that “he will never be released and will spend the rest of his life in custody.”

Axel Rudakubana.Press Association via AP

Press Association via AP

One day after the stabbings, more than 50 police officers in Southport were injured when ariot broke outduring a vigil for the victims, Merseyside police previously said.

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“These were just little kids at a dance class,” the singer added. “I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”

source: people.com