Southport Victims: Parents Pay Tribute Saying Daughters Were Brave

Two victim’s parents shared heartfelt words on TV. They spoke about their daughters, Bebe and Elsie. They wanted people to remember their precious girls. This is a story that some may find upsetting.

Bebe King, six, and Elsie Stancombe, seven, died, as did nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar. Axel Rudakubana murdered them last July in Southport. They attended a Taylor Swift dance class. The attack deeply shocked the whole nation.

Rudakubana, now 18, is in prison. He admitted to three murders, and ten attempted murders. A review said his case should have stayed open because of his contact with the Prevent scheme, an anti-terror program.

Bebe’s parents described their daughter lovingly. They called her mighty, strong, and kind. They said goodbye in the hospital. Her mother said she must protect Bebe’s memory, stating that Bebe was pure light and joy itself.

Elsie’s parents, Jenni and David, called Elsie brave. Taylor Swift wanted to meet the grieving families, which happened at a Wembley Stadium show. Elsie’s mom said this meeting would have been a dream. They started Elsie’s Story, a charity.

Elsie’s mother said they will never feel true happiness. Maybe they can feel a little something by making other kids smile in Elsie’s memory. They previously discussed the awful news.

False claims spread online after the attack. Some claims involved the attacker’s identity, while another set of claims touched on his asylum status. This fueled rioting in parts of England, although these claims were not accurate at all.

Rudakubana used a 20cm knife in the attack, which he bought on Amazon prior to that. He also tried to murder more children and adults, including Leanne Lucas and John Hayes. He got thirteen life sentences in court.

The judge said shock and revulsion occurred. The judge said release was unlikely for him, probably never happening to the murderer. Authorities had discovered ricin and weapons at his home, alongside al Qaeda training material.

His devices showed interests in violence and war. Police couldn’t determine the killer’s specific motive. The act was therefore not labelled terrorism. His family relocated for their protection since this incident.