The death of Ava W.* († 12) last November shocked the whole of Great Britain. During a dispute between young people in Liverpool city center, the little girl was fatally wounded in the neck with a blade. A 14-year-old boy and three other young people were subsequently arrested.
The main suspect, 14, had to appear in court for a hearing on Friday. The boy pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted possession of an assault weapon.
relatives in tears
The drama happened on November 25th. At the time, Ava W. was visiting the city center with a group of friends to watch the Christmas lights come on. Shortly thereafter, she was attacked and stabbed in the neck. The girl suffered “catastrophic injuries,” police said at the time. The little girl died a little later in the hospital.
About a dozen of Ava’s relatives were present at the half-hour hearing in the courtroom on Friday, as reported by the “Independent”. Some of them were in tears as the teenager made his statements.
Trial will take place in May
The judge set the trial to begin on May 9th. The negotiations are expected to last three weeks.
Hundreds of people attended a vigil in Liverpool following Ava’s death and Radio City Tower in the heart of the city was lit up in blue to commemorate the schoolgirl.
Three arrested released
The Archbishop of Liverpool officiated at Ava’s funeral. “This strong-willed girl, Ava, was loved by so many people,” he said. “Heaven will be a happier place because of their exuberance. She will no doubt have taken him by storm.”
The three other young people who were arrested in connection with the death of the girl in addition to the 14-year-old are free again: a 16-year-old was released on bail, a 14-year-old was released despite ongoing investigations and investigations were stopped against a 13-year-old. (noo)