Teenager Convicted of Attempted Murder in School Stabbing

A teenager obsessed with serial killers and harboring dark thoughts about women has been convicted of attempted murder after stabbing a girl in his school. The boy, who was 15 at the time of the incident, approached his victim in a school corridor, wearing a mask, and stabbed her in the back.

The attack led to a lockdown at Thorpe St Andrew School near Norwich, Norfolk, which lasted several hours until armed police apprehended the suspect. Parents had gathered outside the school due to social media reports.

During the investigation, authorities discovered the boy had a significant interest in serial killers. He used an app to create disturbing videos, including one depicting serial killers Ed Kemper and Ted Bundy dancing over an image of the globe. Notes found by police indicated motives such as "misanthropy, misogyny, suicide, bullying."

The teenager admitted to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article but denied attempted murder. A jury at King's Lynn Crown Court convicted him of attempted murder following a two-week trial.

The boy's video creations also included compilations of serial killers from television shows, such as Paul Spector from BBC's "The Fall" and Dexter Morgan from "Dexter." He also referenced the Suffolk Strangler, Steve Wright.

Notes discovered in the boy's bedroom revealed his fascination with killers and a desire for admiration, stating, "I want admiration, gratification. I've wanted this for years. I don't care who I hurt. Not anymore." Other writings suggested plans for multiple murders, expressing a desire to kill "at least two, maybe three. I’d be proud of five." A suicide note found on his wall read, "My barren world. Hello to all readers out there in the UK and perhaps the world. If you’re reading this, I’m either dead or in custody."

He also wrote about his "hatred for women," detailing an instance where he wished to harm a girl who had said something degrading to him. He questioned if he was evil, an incel, or a misogynist, concluding, "I just have good judgement."

CCTV footage from the school showed the defendant approaching his victim, also 15, and stabbing her in the back with a knife. He fled the scene, pursued by a teacher, and was later apprehended by police. His backpack contained a mask, a woollen hat, and gloves.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital the following day. She reported that she initially thought she had been punched and only realized the severity of the attack when a teacher screamed.

The court heard that the defendant had previously confessed to his mother about contemplating self-harm with a kitchen knife. He had also sought help from the school and agreed to counseling following a personal issue.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that the defendant's actions, including approaching the victim from behind and the nature of the stabbing, demonstrated a clear intention to kill. The prosecutor stated, "That is why he had a knife, that is why he approached her from behind, that is why he stabbed her in the back... Further, we say his intention is made plain not just by those moments of the stabbing but by his notes, and his obsession with killing, and being fuelled by hatred."