First picture of teenager accused of stabbing schoolgirl to death in row over a boy
First picture of teenager accused of stabbing schoolgirl to death in row over a boy
An 18-year-old woman, charged with murdering a schoolgirl during a conflict involving a boy, has been captured on camera.
Chloe Watson Dransfield, a 16-year-old girl, was discovered with fatal injuries on Kennerleigh Avenue in Austhorpe, Leeds, at 6am on Saturday.
The victim was reportedly stabbed in the back during a dispute over a boy, as described by family members and local residents.
Family’s heartfelt tribute
My beautiful princess Chloe. I cannot put into words how I feel that you are not here with me. You are my life, my world, my best friend, and I know that I am yours. I cannot live without you – I need you.
When you walk into any room, it lights up with your bubbly personality. There is so much I could say. There’s a big hole in my heart that can never be filled.
Your two sisters and big brother will always love and miss you to infinity. You will always and forever be in our hearts. Love Mum, Connor, Courtney, and Cienna.
Suspects and their backgrounds
Kayla Smith, 18, and Archie Rycroft, 19, from Leeds, have been charged with murder, according to West Yorkshire Police. Smith, a self-employed beautician, operates her business, Luxe Aesthetics, from her grandfather’s home in east Leeds, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Two additional suspects – an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl – were arrested on suspicion of murder but have since been released on bail.
Neighbor’s account of the incident
Wayne Mallows, a 64-year-old resident, recounted his efforts to save Chloe after she was stabbed. He said he was called out of his house at around 5:50am by a dogwalker who noticed the girl on the pavement near his home.
She said that my neighbor was outside doing CPR on a young girl. He was getting tired. I asked if they’d rung an ambulance and then I realised a phone was on the ground, and he had it on loudspeaker. Ambulance control were giving him instructions.
I took over until the ambulance arrived 10 minutes later. She had been stabbed in the back, and there was quite a bit of blood. Her eyes were just blank.
Investigation update
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, leading the inquiry, stated: “Our thoughts remain with Chloe’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Our specially-trained officers continue to support them.”
Our investigation into her death is ongoing, and five people arrested on suspicion of murder remain in custody as we determine the full circumstances of this event.
