Teen Killers Sentenced for London Bus Machete Murder as Grieving Mother Urges Action on Knife Crime

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Two teenage boys have been sentenced for the brutal machete murder of 14-year-old Kelyan in East London, after a frenzied assault on a double-decker bus left the city reeling. The attack, which occurred on January 7, 2025, in Woolwich, has reignited public concern over knife-related violence among youth.

Kelyan was stabbed 27 times during the assault, with closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage revealing the full extent of the ferocity, including multiple attempted strikes. The attackers, aged 15 and 16 at the time, ambushed him in front of passengers in a broad daylight attack, leaving him with fatal injuries. Both were found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with minimum terms of 15 years and 10 months.

In court, the judge described the killing as a “premeditated and merciless attack,” adding that the violence was “among the most shocking” to be seen in a public setting. CCTV showed one of the attackers smiling upon recognising Kelyan seconds before the ambush. The names of the attackers were withheld due to their age, although a legal review may alter that following their convictions.

The murder has intensified calls to address London’s ongoing knife crime challenge, with data showing an 80% increase in such offenses since 2015. While 10 teenagers lost their lives to knife violence in 2024 alone, authorities have yet to release comprehensive data for 2025, leaving the current year’s trend under review.

Outside the courtroom, Kelyan’s mother delivered an emotional plea for change. “My son was full of life, loved by his friends and family. No parent should have to bury their child because of senseless violence. We need to do more to keep our streets and our children safe.” She urged teenagers to think of their mothers before carrying knives, calling the tragedy a wound that justice cannot heal.

Metropolitan Police officials confirmed that the case had no conclusive gang-related links, though media coverage has highlighted concerns about gang exploitation and the vulnerability of young people drawn into violence. The case was prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), with investigators crediting swift public cooperation and CCTV access for the quick identification of suspects.

Authorities continue to urge anyone witnessing suspicious behavior or carrying weapons to report to the police via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

As London grapples with a new generation of youth violence, families and law enforcement alike are calling for stronger intervention strategies, education programs, and community-led prevention efforts.