Boy, 14, Appears in Court Charged With Murdering 80-Year-Old Man in Leicestershire

A police officer at the scene in Franklin Park, Leicester, on Sept. 3, 2024. Jacob King/PA

A 14-year old boy charged with murder following the death of Bhim Kohli, 80, in a Leicestershire park, has appeared in court.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Leicester Youth Court sitting at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The boy will make an appearance at Leicester Crown Court on Thursday afternoon.

Kohli died on Monday after he was attacked on Sunday evening in Franklin Park in Braunstone Town.

According to the his family, Kohli enjoyed walking his dog in the park many times a day. He is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms.

The Crown Prosecution Service said in a charging statement: “The Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed a file of evidence from Leicestershire Police and has authorised a charge of murder against a 14-year-old boy in relation to the death of Bhim Sen Kohli.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that the youth has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Family Man

Kohli was married and had a big family. His family said in the statement that the pensioner had children and grandchildren whom he “adored with all his heart and loved spending time with them.”

“He really was such a loving, caring person whose life was centred around his family.

“He has always been a very hardworking man and even at the age of 80 he was still very active. One of his great passions was his allotment, he would go everyday to tend to his plots and was so proud of them. He also enjoyed walking the family dog Rocky on the park many times a day.

“Bhim loved to laugh. He was always very happy and talkative, the joker of the family and always loved to outsmart us with a smile. Our family have lived in the same house in Braunstone for 40 years, so he was very well known in the community – we have been overwhelmed by the messages and support from many who knew him.

“Our hearts have been completely broken. We are now pulling together as a family to try and support each other through the most difficult time imaginable and would ask for privacy while we do this,” said the statement, shared by Leicestershire Police.

‘Extremely Tragic’

During the course of the investigation into Kohli’s death, officers had arrested a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12. The police confirmed on Tuesday that four had been released with no further action.

Kohli sustained a neck injury, which led to his death, according to a post-mortem examination, pending further tests.

Detective Inspector Emma Matts, senior investigating officer, said on Tuesday that the circumstances surrounding the incident are “extremely tragic and upsetting” for his family and the wider community.

“We continue to offer support to the family through our family liaison officers, and the local policing teams are in the area to provide reassurance and discuss any issues or concerns,” she added.

PA Media contributed to this report.