Accused of killing this teenager

A 15-year-old boy accused of knifing fellow teenager Zaian Aimable-Lina to death in a park was remanded in custody.

Zaian, 15, was stabbed three times including through the heart and lungs, in Ashburton Park, Croydon, south London, on December 30.

Jonathan Polnay, prosecuting, said: ‘At around 7pm on 30 December a group of young men flagged down a police car near Ashburton Park in Croydon.

‘They led police into the park where Zaian was lying on the floor.

‘Zaian, just 15 years old.

‘It seems that he had three knife wounds, one of them through the heart and lungs which, despite the best efforts of police and ambulance services, caused him to die.

‘His life was pronounced extinct at 7:30pm.’

The 15-year-old suspect, who appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link wearing a navy Nike jumper, was arrested and charged with murder.

Mr Polnay added: ‘He was assessed as being fit for interview.

‘In summary he gave a prepared statement; he said, “Yes, I was in the park but I had nothing to do with the killing,” and said he did not wish to say anything more.’

The Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft, remanded the 15-year-old boy in custody at Oakhill Secure Training Centre ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 24.
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