Parents of Southport Killer Apologize to Victims' Families
The parents of the Southport killer expressed their sorrow to the families of the girls their son murdered, providing evidence at the public inquiry into the attack.
Inquiry Hearing Details
On Thursday, Liverpool Town Hall hosted the inquiry where Alphonse Rudakubana and Laetitia Muzayire gave their testimonies via videolink. Their presence was audible to the public and press, but they remained unseen.
About the Incident
Their son, Axel Rudakubana, was 17 years old when he tragically killed Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven; Bebe King, aged six; and Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine. Additionally, he attempted to murder 10 others during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, 2024.
Statement from Laetitia Muzayire
“There are no words that can ever be enough to express our grief and remorse for the children whose lives were taken or forever changed by our son’s actions. We think of them every single day and we carry the weight of that loss in our hearts and prayers. As a mother, I grieve deeply for my own son, but most of all for the innocent lives lost and the lives that have been devastated. There are many things that Alphonse and I wish we had done differently, anything that might have prevented the horrific event of July 29, 2024. For our failure, we are profoundly sorry. We pray every day for the children and their families, and for God’s comfort to surround them.”
Ms. Muzayire, who moved to the UK from Rwanda with her husband in 2002, read this statement on behalf of herself and her family, describing the emotional pain they carry.
Context of the Family's Apology
The family arrived at the inquiry with “broken hearts,” acknowledging their immense sorrow and seeking to convey their deep regret for the tragedy caused by their son.
Summary: The parents of the Southport killer publicly apologized at the inquiry, expressing profound grief and remorse for their son's tragic actions and the innocent lives lost.