The parents of the three young girls killed in the Southport tragedy voiced their deep resentment toward the father of the attacker during a public inquiry.
Seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, six-year-old Bebe King, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar lost their lives, while ten others were seriously injured when 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana carried out a deadly assault during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last July.
Axel’s father, Alphonse Rudakubana, 49, spoke before the victims’ families, expressing sorrow and self-blame for failing to report his son’s behavior earlier.
“My son was a monster who murdered your beautiful angels.”
He admitted that he had known Axel was keeping large knives and weapons and believed his son had planned to set fire to his old school a week before the murders.
Alphonse confessed that he had lacked courage and that his love for his son had prevented him from going to the police.
Representing the victims’ families, Nicholas Bowen KC told Alphonse that the parents felt only contempt for his explanations and demeanor during questioning.
“All three sets of parents have listened to what you've written and said, and have complete disdain for your excuses and the manner in which you have answered questions.”
However, Sir Adrian Fulford, who chairs the inquiry, rebuked Bowen for presenting such comments without prior notice and remarked that they were not appropriate.
During the Southport inquiry, grieving parents rejected the killer’s father’s remorse, condemning his inaction and expressing lasting disdain over his perceived complicity.