Boy in court charged with rape and murder of 14-year-old girl

A teenage boy has appeared in court charged with the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl who was found dead in a park.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Apr 2018, 12:35 BST
Updated 16th Apr 2018, 12:39 BST
Lithuanian-born Vicktorija Sokolova was discovered by a member of the public in a park last Thursday. Picture: SWNSLithuanian-born Vicktorija Sokolova was discovered by a member of the public in a park last Thursday. Picture: SWNS
Lithuanian-born Vicktorija Sokolova was discovered by a member of the public in a park last Thursday. Picture: SWNS

Viktorija Sokolova was discovered by a member of the public in West Park, Wolverhampton, at about 7am on Thursday last week.

The Lithuanian-born youngster was reported missing on Wednesday but was pronounced dead the following day, after suffering a blunt force trauma to the head.

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A 16-year-old boy spoke only to confirm his name, age and address at a five-minute hearing at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Police and forensics at the scene in West Park, Wolverhampton. Picture: SWNSPolice and forensics at the scene in West Park, Wolverhampton. Picture: SWNS
Police and forensics at the scene in West Park, Wolverhampton. Picture: SWNS

A second teenage boy, aged 17, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, has been bailed pending further investigation.

Viktorija’s family paid tribute to her, saying she was “like a little angel” and “she made our lives so colourful and full of meaning”.

They added: “You will be living in our hearts, soul and mind forever. Goodbye our little angel.”

The teenager was remanded into secure youth detention accommodation until a further hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday.

West Park remained closed while a comprehensive forensic examination continued.