Schoolgirl, 16, knifed to death in ‘row over boy’ was killed by single stab wound to her chest, inquest hears – as three teens charged with murder
A schoolgirl killed in a fight over a boy in Leeds last month suffered a ‘violent death’ after a single stab wound to the chest, the inquest heard.
Chloe Watson Dransfield, 16, was pronounced dead less than an hour after she was found unresponsive on the pavement of Leeds Kennerleigh Avenue despite neighbors’ efforts to save her.
Three teenagers have been charged with his murder and will stand trial in November.
Kayla Smith, 18, Archie Rycroft, 19, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons were charged with murder.
The 14-year-old boy, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, was released on bail.
Opening the inquest at Wakefield Coroner’s Court on Thursday, coroner Oliver Longstaff said that the autopsy report prepared on March 28 determined that Chloe died from a single stab wound to the chest.
He died at Leeds General Infirmary at 6.37am that day after being taken to hospital by ambulance from where he was found.
Mr Longstaff said Chloe had met a ‘violent death’ and adjourned the inquest until the end of the criminal case.
The inquest heard that Chloe Watson Dransfield, of Gomersal, West Yorkshire, died after suffering a single stab wound.
Following her death last month, she was described by her family as a ‘loyal, honest, family-oriented princess’
As part of the GoFundMe fundraiser, a woman claiming to be her cousin said Chloe’s ‘life was suddenly ruined because of a boy’.
The Daily Mail reported last month that Chloe had been in a relationship with a 17-year-old boy for about a year and a half.
But friends said the relationship was ‘volatile’ and she discovered six weeks before her death that her husband had been unfaithful to her.
The boy is understood to have been at a party with Chloe at a bungalow in the quiet Austhorpe area of the city.
Chloe, who had recently settled into university to study hair and beauty, had texted a friend to pick her up shortly before she was attacked.
Chloe’s uncle Christopher Watson said at the family home near Cleckheaton: ‘She was a lovely young lady who had her whole life ahead of her. He found a new place to go to college. He didn’t drink or smoke. He was confused.
‘She met the wrong boy.’
Detectives investigating Chloe’s death said they believed a mobile phone video showing the attack had been ‘circulated on social media’.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwhistle said: ‘We need that video. Chloe’s family needs answers to why she died.
‘This senseless and tragic death has caused unimaginable suffering for Chloe’s family, friends and other communities.
‘We have charged three people but we are still working to piece together everything that happened that night.
‘I’m asking anyone who has seen this video, or knows of this video, or has this video, to get in touch.’
Chloe’s family paid tribute to their ‘beautiful princess’.
His mother said: ‘Words cannot describe how I feel that you are not here with me.
‘Your two sisters and brother will always love and miss you… you will always and forever be in our hearts.’
Officers were called to Kennerleigh Avenue, a quiet street of bungalows in the Leeds suburb of Austhorpe, where Chloe was found.
16-year-old Chloe was allegedly stabbed to death in a fight over a boy after attending a party
His father added: ‘We miss everything about him. She was beautiful, full of joy, and had an incredibly sassy personality.
‘Chloe was loved by everyone who knew her and the absence she leaves behind is immeasurable.’
On Thursday evening, a mass balloon release was held at Nibshaw Lane Football Ground, near Chloe’s home in Gomersal, to commemorate her life.
Her family wrote on Facebook: ‘Please join us as we come together to remember and celebrate Chloe’s life. Let’s fill the sky with pink balloons in his honor and show our love and support. Everybody is welcome.’
Chloe was a pupil at BBG Academy in Birkenshaw – principal Danielle Williams said: ‘The whole community at BBG Academy is shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Chloe’s death.
‘The loss of a young life with such potential for the future is a real blow to students and colleagues, and an unimaginable loss to his family. Chloe was devoted to her family; He was an extremely loyal friend with a big heart and happy disposition.
‘Many students have known Chloe as a funny, energetic girl since her primary school days, and she leaves a heartbreaking void in our school community.’
