In one of the most horrifying acts of youth violence London has seen in recent years, two teenagers have pleaded guilty to the cold-blooded murder of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa. The young schoolboy was ambushed and stabbed 27 times with machetes on a busy London bus, in broad daylight, as commuters watched in shock. The attack, which took place on January 7, 2025, has reignited a national conversation around knife crime, youth violence, and the deepening impact of gang culture in the capital.
The suspects, aged just 15 and 16, changed their pleas to guilty at the Old Bailey, admitting to the brutal and premeditated murder. Their horrifying actions have devastated a family, shocked a nation, and exposed the persistent dangers faced by teenagers growing up in gang-plagued neighborhoods.
The Victim: Kelyan Bokassa
Kelyan Bokassa was not just another name on a tragic headline. He was a vibrant, intelligent young boy with dreams of becoming a rapper and aspirations that stretched far beyond the streets of Woolwich, southeast London. An Arsenal fan and a child loved dearly by his family and friends, Kelyan’s life was brutally cut short in an act of violence that defies comprehension.
His mother, Mary Bokassa, revealed that her son had been targeted by gangs from as early as six years old. Despite repeated pleas to authorities and numerous interventions, Kelyan ended up in care. Still, his mother’s worst fears came true. “I tried to prevent it. I screamed. I said, ‘My son is going to be killed,’” she told reporters, her voice heavy with grief and frustration.
Timeline of the Attack
The assault occurred as Kelyan was making his way home from school. On a Route 472 bus, he was ambushed by the two teens who had been tracking his movements. CCTV footage and witness accounts revealed a meticulously planned attack: the assailants boarded the bus, cornered Kelyan, and launched a savage assault using large knives, believed to be machetes.
The boy was stabbed 27 times, including a fatal blow that severed his femoral artery. Passengers screamed, some tried to intervene, but the attack was over in minutes. Despite rapid emergency response, Kelyan was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Accused: Two Teenagers Aged 15 and 16
The identities of the accused have been withheld due to their age. Originally, one of the teenagers had pleaded not guilty, but during the recent court hearing at the Old Bailey, both changed their pleas to guilty for murder and possession of knives.
Investigators revealed that the attack was not random but rooted in gang rivalry. The prosecution stated that the killers saw Kelyan as a target due to his association—real or perceived—with a rival group. This was not a fight. It was an execution, carried out with chilling calculation and intent.
Inside the Courtroom
At the Old Bailey, the gravity of the case was evident. As the boys stood in the dock, the courtroom was filled with a palpable tension. The judge, while ordering pre-sentencing reports, emphasized the seriousness of the offense. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 25, and both boys are expected to receive lengthy custodial sentences.
The courtroom heard harrowing details about the attack, with the prosecution describing how Kelyan tried to flee and defend himself, but the onslaught was too severe. The judge commended the courage of witnesses who came forward to aid the investigation.
The Aftermath of the Attack
In the days following the murder, Woolwich became the epicenter of national mourning. A vigil was held where hundreds gathered to honor Kelyan’s memory. Friends, teachers, and family members shared stories about the boy who once had dreams of the future—a future stolen in the most violent way imaginable.
The scene of the crime, a double-decker bus route that millions travel daily, became a symbol of urban decay and the growing reach of youth violence. Flowers, candles, and notes lined the bus stop where Kelyan took his last breath.
