Three teenagers have made an appearance in front of a crown court for allegedly fatally stabbing a 16-year-old girl. The accused individuals, identified as Kayla Smith, 18, Archie Rycroft, 19, and a 17-year-old boy, faced charges relating to the murder of Chloe Watson Dransfield. Chloe, a resident of Gomersal, was discovered with stab wounds on Kennerleigh Avenue in Leeds early on a Saturday morning, succumbing to her injuries later in the hospital. Family and friends of Chloe attended the court session held on a Thursday morning.
Smith, residing on Kennerleigh Avenue, Leeds, appeared via videolink from HMP New Hall, while Rycroft, living on Middleton Park Road, Leeds, appeared from HMP Wetherby. The 17-year-old boy, whose identity remains protected, appeared from a remand location. During the hearing, the defendants were asked to confirm their personal details.
No pleas were entered by the defendants, and they were remanded in custody for further proceedings scheduled for May 1. A trial date has been tentatively set for November 10, deemed the earliest feasible date for a trial of this nature. Earlier, the trio had appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court where Smith and Rycroft were remanded in custody, and the 17-year-old was placed in secure accommodation.
District Judge Mark Daley informed the teenagers during the prior court appearance that the murder charges could only be addressed at the crown court. He emphasized that bail decisions lie within the jurisdiction of the crown court, scheduling a follow-up hearing for April 2.
During the preliminary hearing, no pleas were made regarding the murder charges. Rycroft denied accusations of two burglaries and a theft in March, while the 17-year-old boy denied involvement in a separate burglary incident from August.
West Yorkshire Police disclosed on Tuesday that an additional 18-year-old man from Leeds, previously arrested for suspected murder, remains in custody. Another 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl, also detained on murder suspicion, were released on bail pending further investigations.
Chloe’s family expressed their profound grief in a tribute released on Monday evening, highlighting her joyful and vibrant personality, and the irreplaceable void her absence has left in their lives. They conveyed their eternal love and memories of Chloe, emphasizing her lasting impact on all who knew her.
