Teen Sentenced to 52 Years for Stabbing Spree at Taylor Swift-Themed Event

SOUTHPORT, England — A British teenager who murdered three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event was sentenced to at least 52 years in prison on Thursday, in a case prosecutors described as one of the most violent they had ever seen. Axel Rudakubana, 18, pleaded guilty to the murders of Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, during a summer vacation event in Southport last July.

The attack, which also left 10 others injured, unfolded at a dance school where 26 children were attending the event. Rudakubana, from Banks in Lancashire, admitted to three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, and additional charges related to producing ricin and possessing an al Qaeda training manual.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer told Liverpool Crown Court that two of the victims suffered “horrific injuries which are difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic in nature.” Judge Julian Goose described Rudakubana’s actions as “evil” and stated that the teenager had a “settled and determined intention” to kill all 26 children and any adults who intervened.

Rudakubana was sentenced in absentia after refusing to return to court, having been removed twice for disrupting the hearing. Judge Goose noted that while he could not impose a life sentence without parole due to Rudakubana’s age at the time of the crime, it was “highly likely” the teenager would never be released.

Merseyside Police condemned the attack as “cowardly and terrifying” in a statement following the sentencing. “We want to pay tribute to Bebe, Elsie, and Alice, who will never be forgotten, and the children and adults who suffered serious injuries,” the statement read. “Although no outcome at court could possibly ease the pain and trauma for the victims and their families, we hope that knowing he will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison will bring them some comfort.”

The case has drawn widespread attention, with Taylor Swift herself acknowledging the victims during a performance at Wembley Stadium in August. The investigation revealed that Rudakubana had planned the attack meticulously, including producing ricin, a deadly toxin, and studying extremist materials.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.