Teenagers Charged with Murder of 14-Year-Old Kelyan Bokassa in Woolwich, London Stabbing

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Posted: 16th January 2025

Natalie Sherman

Last updated 22nd September 2025

Teenagers Charged with Murder of 14-Year-Old Kelyan Bokassa in Woolwich, London Stabbing.

Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, have been formally charged with the murder of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, who was tragically stabbed aboard a bus in Woolwich, south-east London, earlier this month. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the suspects are set to appear in Bromley youth court for their first hearing on January 16, 2025.

Kelyan Bokassa

David Malone, a spokesperson from the Crown Prosecution Service, commented, “We have today given the Metropolitan Police the go-ahead to charge two teenagers with murder in connection with the heartbreaking death of Kelyan Bokassa in Woolwich on January 7, 2025.” He also added, “Our thoughts remain with Kelyan’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

The two teenage suspects, whose names remain withheld due to legal proceedings, will face trial while the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the importance of a fair trial and urged against sharing any prejudicial information online. A 44-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation.

Kelyan Bokassa, described by his grieving mother, Mary Bokassa, as "kind and caring" and passionate about football, died shortly after the stabbing. His mother expressed her shock, stating, "I can’t believe he is gone. I cannot believe it."

In recent years, London has seen a concerning rise in knife crime, particularly among young people. The statistics surrounding stabbings in the UK capital highlight an ongoing issue with violence, especially in certain boroughs. According to the Metropolitan Police, in 2020, London recorded over 1,400 knife-related incidents, with a significant number of these resulting in serious injury or death.

In 2021 and 2022, while there was a slight decline in overall violent crime rates, stabbings continued to make up a substantial portion of violent offenses. In 2021 alone, there were more than 100 homicides in London, many of which were linked to knife violence. Teenage stabbings have particularly risen as an alarming trend, with many incidents taking place in public spaces such as on buses, trains, and in parks.

Despite increased police efforts and community initiatives aimed at tackling the issue, the statistics suggest that knife crime remains a persistent challenge for the city. The ongoing issue reflects broader social problems, including gang-related activity, poverty, and youth disenfranchisement.