Teens plead not guilty to murdering schoolgirl, 16, who was stabbed to death in street after party
THREE teens have pleaded not guilty to murdering a schoolgirl who was knifed to death in the street.
Chloe Watson, 16, was discovered unresponsive after a party in Leeds, West Yorkshire, on March 28.
She was rushed to hospital where sadly she could not be saved and pronounced her dead a short time later.
Kayla Smith, 18, Archie Rycroft, 19, and a 17-year-old boy appeared at Leeds Crown Court today where they pleaded not guilty to murder.
The teens, who cannot legally be named, pleaded not guilty to murder.
Judge Guy Kearl KC ordered the packed public galleries to be cleared during the hearing after shouting disrupted the proceedings.
The judge eventually allowed one family member for each of the defendants and the deceased to re-enter the courtroom
Judge Kearl told the defendants: “Your trial is listed for November 10 with a time estimate of three weeks.
“Until that time you will remain in custody for the moment.”
An inquest heard previously how Chloe’s heartbroken father Mark Dransfield had to formally identify his daughter.
Area coroner Oliver Longstaff said a post mortem found Chloe died from a stab wound to her chest.
The coroner also said Chloe met a “violent death” as he suspended proceedings until the outcome of the criminal trial.
Chloe’s distraught mum previously paid tribute to her “beautiful princess”.
She wrote: “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.
“You are stunning, confident, loyal, honest and my family-oriented princess.
“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.”
Her father’s family also issued a tribute in the wake of the killing describing their “immeasurable” heartache.
It read: “We miss every single thing about her. She was beautiful, full of joy, and had a wonderfully cheeky personality.
“She embraced life with such happiness, and she had her whole future ahead of her.
“Chloe was loved by everyone who knew her, and the absence she leaves behind is immeasurable.
“We will miss her forever, she will never be forgotten.”
A GoFundMe has since been set up by Chloe’s cousin Shantelle.
The force is still looking to hear from people who could help with their investigation.
