Recent events involving young people, both as victims and perpetrators of violence have shocked communities across the UK. The murders of Kelyan Bokassa, Leo Rossa, and Thomas Taylor as well as the horrific crimes committed by Axel Radakubana, highlight the urgent need for intervention, education, and prevention. Each case tells a story of vulnerability, systemic failures, and the devastating impact of youth violence. Behind every headline is a ripple effect, families torn apart, communities shaken, and futures cut short. This blog reflects on these incidents to explore what we can do to protect and guide young people toward safer paths.
Kelyan Bokassa (14) was tragically murdered in Woolwich by two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, in January 2025. This case highlights how violence among youth is escalating, leaving families grieving and communities demanding answers.
Leo Rossa (12) In Birmingham, Leo’s life was taken by a 14-year-old in January 2025. This shocking incident raises critical questions about how children so young can be drawn into deadly violence.
Thomas Taylor (17) was stabbed at a Bedford bus station in January 2025, Thomas’s death highlights the risks young people face, even in seemingly everyday situations.
Axel Radakubana committed the horrific Southport murders of three young girls in July 2024 and was sentenced to 52 years in prison in January 2025. His case serves as a stark example of how unresolved trauma and societal exclusion can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
While each story is unique, they collectively reveal patterns of youth vulnerability, systemic neglect, and the tragic consequences of inaction.
Understanding the Root Causes
Youth violence does not exist in a vacuum, it is the product of complex, interwoven factors such as :
- Peer Pressure and Grooming: Gangs exploit young people’s desire for belonging or financial security, preying on their vulnerabilities to recruit them into dangerous networks.
- Neglect and Lack of Support: Overstretched social services and limited youth programs mean that many young people lack the guidance and resources they need during critical moments in their lives.
- Systemic Inequalities: Racism, socioeconomic challenges, and exclusion create environments where violence can thrive, trapping young people in cycles of despair.
Axel’s case, in particular, highlights the unique struggles of second-generation migrant youth. Growing up at the intersection of two cultures, many second-generation migrants face the pressure of navigating dual identities, systemic bias, and cultural misunderstandings. Axel’s life reflected these challenges, with feelings of isolation and frustration compounding his vulnerability.
However, Axel’s case also reveals critical missed opportunities for intervention. Early warning signs of his struggles such as an obsession with violence, difficulties in school, and reports of social withdrawal were either overlooked or inadequately addressed. Despite interactions with the police, as well as educational and social service systems, there was a lack of coordinated efforts to assess the threat he posed or to provide the necessary support to redirect his path.
Axel Radakubana’s behavior did reflect significant social isolation, as he withdrew from others. The larger issue lay in the systemic failures that compounded his struggles. Overburdened social services, under-resourced youth programs, and a lack of cultural competency in addressing the specific needs of migrant families contributed to key warning signs being overlooked. These gaps in support and intervention created an environment in which Axel’s behaviors went unaddressed, allowing them to escalate into devastating consequences. His eventual involvement in the tragic Southport murders highlights the dire impact of untreated mental health issues, unresolved trauma, and inadequate social support. This case serves as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for early intervention and a more responsive system to prevent such catastrophic outcomes.
Prevention Through Education
The loss of Kelyan, Leo, and Thomas and the actions of Axel serve as stark reminders of the power of early intervention. Education plays a critical role in equipping young people with the tools to recognize risks, resist peer pressure, and make informed decisions.
Our gang awareness workshops have shown how impactful such efforts can be. Feedback from participants and their families illustrates this:
- “My 12-year-old identified a time when a group of boys tried to recruit him into a gang. That would not have happened without you.”
- “After the workshop, my child told me about rejecting an offer of money from someone he suspected was grooming him. The session gave him the confidence to say no.”
Such stories demonstrate how education can empower young people to avoid dangerous paths and make safer choices, helping to break the cycle of violence before it begins.
Addressing youth violence requires a united effort from all sectors of society:
- Parents: Foster open conversations about risks, and teach children how to recognize grooming and peer pressure.
- Schools and Communities: Implement preventative programs that provide education, mentorship, and safe spaces for young people to express themselves.
- Authorities: Invest in culturally competent services that address the specific needs of vulnerable groups, including migrant families and marginalized communities.
By working together, we can create a safety net for young people, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and protected. The stories of Kelyan, Leo, Thomas, and Axel are heartbreaking, but they must serve as a catalyst for change. Every young person deserves the chance to grow up free from fear and violence, with the support they need to thrive. It is time to confront the root causes of youth violence and commit to building a society where every child can feel safe, valued, and empowered. The rising tide of violence is a cry for change let us answer it with action, compassion, and hope.
