Walsall stabbing: Teen charged with murder refuses to appear at court

18-year-old Deng Chol Majek is accused of fatally stabbing Rhiannon Skye Whyte at Bescot Stadium Station on the evening of October 20.

The 27-year-old died three days later in hospital on October 23, surrounded by her family.

Majek, of Bescot Crescent, Walsall, was due to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court today, November 21, via videolink from HMP Manchester to enter his pleas, but failed to appear.

Charlie Crinion, who is defending the South Sudanese teenager, said Majek refused to talk with him through an interpreter before the hearing because he did not know who he was.

Judge Michael Chambers KC said he would proceed with the case as if the defendant would be contesting the charges.

He said to Mr Crinion: “It is important that you have a proper conference and that, like any defendant, he has full confidence in his representation.

“I am not in a position to give a trial date this morning.”

Majek has been remanded in custody with a further hearing being set for December 13.

Prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC said a trial is due to start in April 2025 and would be expected to last between five and seven days.

In a statement issued through police after her death, Ms Whyte’s family said: “The most loved daughter, compassionate sister, loving auntie, gracious granddaughter, beautiful niece, wonderful cousin and devoted friend.

“The most selfless person, you were brave, quirky, funny and always there for anyone who needed it. There is not enough paper in the world to even begin to write a tribute for you, but no one deserves it more.

“The weird thing about this devastating loss is that we now need to navigate life without you, but how? If your short life will teach anything, it’s to cherish each moment with those you love as tomorrow is never guaranteed.

“You are so strong, a fighter and no matter what happens, we as a family will always be united for you. We will love and miss you for now, for always and forever.”