he tragic incident occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class in Southport, England, on July. 29
Clare Fisher is an editor for PEOPLE with over 15 years of experience in journalism. She has written for publications including OK! Magazine, The Mail on Sunday, Good Housekeeping, The Times and Red Magazine.
Published on December 19, 2024 07:07AM EST
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Stabbing suspect Axel Rudakubana has entered not guilty pleas for the charges of murdering three young girls — Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, and Bebe King — at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class in Southport, England.
The pleas were entered on behalf of Rudakubana, 18, per the BBC and The Guardian. He appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court from the London prison where he is being held on Wednesday, Dec. 18. but refused to speak, according to the outlets.
The alleged murders took place at The Hart Space community center on July 29 during the first week of the girls’ summer vacation from school, per The Guardian.
He also entered not guilty pleas for the attempted murder of 10 other people, including eight children, and to additional charges related to possessing the poison ricin and for having an Al Qaeda manual, reports the outlet.
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At the time of the alleged knife attack, Rudakubana — who was born in Wales to Rwandan Christian parents — was aged just 17, per the outlet. He was arrested shortly afterward.
The L.A. Times reports Wednesday’s court date was the first time Rudakubana has not obscured his face with his clothing while appearing in court. Judge Mr Justice Goose said Rudakubana was a “mute of malice” — a legal term for a defendant who refuses to speak and engage, per BBC.
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The BBC adds that the defendant “rocked from side to side” during the hearing and occasionally bowed his head.
The judge set the trial date for Jan. 20. and said it was expected to last up to four weeks, per the outlet.
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Following the incident in July, Taylor Swift issued a heartfelt statement via her Instagram Stories, saying she was at a “complete loss” at what had happened.
“The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock… The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders.”
“These were just little kids at a dance class,” the 35-year-old added. “I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”