16-year-old girl fatally 'stabbed in the back over a boy' as family issue emotional statement
The family of a 16-year-old girl who died after she was killed 'over a boy' have issued a heartbreaking statement.
British teen Chloe Watson Dransfield tragically lost her life in hospital after she was found unconscious with stab wounds in Leeds at 5.55am on Saturday (28 March).
Three people have since been charged with murder, West Yorkshire Police confirmed today (31 March) - Kayla Smith, 18, of Kennerleigh Avenue, and Archie Rycroft, aged 19, of Middleton Park Road, also in Leeds.
A 17-year-old boy who cannot be named has also been charged with the same offence, and police confirmed that all three are remanded in custody and will appear before Leeds Magistrates’ Court today.
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Meanwhile, another 18-year-old man, from Leeds, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, remains in custody, and two more teens, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl, who were also arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
As reported by the Daily Mail, a neighbor claimed Chloe, from Gomersal, was 'stabbed in the back'.
A fundraiser set up by a woman identifying herself as the late teen's cousin, also wrote that her 'life was taken in a flash over a boy'.
Chloe's family have spoken out following the horrifying incident, saying they were 'utterly devastated' and she would 'never be forgotten'.
In a statement, her father and other family members wrote: "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. Love you always and forever, Dad, Sacha, Reuben, Mia, Amelia, Grandma, Grandad and Uncle Jordan."
A separate devastating tribute from the 16-year-old's mother reads: "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."
The grieving mother continued: "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."
As mentioned, her cousin Shantelle Watson has set up a GoFundMe, which at the time of writing sits at over £15,000.
She wrote: "My 16-year-old cousin’s life was sadly taken in tragedy. 16 years young. She didn’t even make it to her 18th - her whole life was taken in a flash over a boy.
"Her mum is distraught; she has left two younger siblings behind."
Shantelle added: "I wanted to create a GoFundMe to help give her the best send-off possible. She didn’t deserve this; she was so full of life, such an innocent, beautiful soul taken too soon."
You can donate here.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Madison Burgess