A teenage boy has been charged with murder after 12-year-old Ava White died from “catastrophic injuries” in Liverpool city centre on Thursday.
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was charged with murder and possession of a bladed article.
The boy wore a grey tracksuit and sat in the dock with two security officers for the five-minute hearing.
District Judge Wendy Lloyd said the defendant will have to go to Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.
“Because this is a murder case, it has to go to the crown court, that is the only place murder cases can be tried,” Lloyd said.
“I am formally sending it to the crown court for Wednesday morning.”
The boy has been remanded in custody.
Three other boys, aged 13, 14, and 15, who were arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on bail after being interviewed by police.
White, who has been described as “popular” and “bright,” was involved in a “verbal argument” which escalated into an “assault on her with a knife,” according to Merseyside Police.
The force said the suspects ran off up School Lane, across Hanover Street, and into Fleet Street after the incident took place.
White was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital after paramedics arrived but died a short time later.
Flowers and balloons have been left in Church Street by those paying tribute to her.
On Saturday, police issued an image of a van that may have been occupied by key witnesses to the incident.
Detectives have urged people not to post names or comments on social media.
