Young woman stabbed to death in Bristol named as teenage boy charged with murder

A young woman who was stabbed to death in Bristol has been named. Luka Bennett-Smith, 19, suffered multiple stab wounds at a property in Cromwell Road, St Andrews, on Sunday, October 20. A teenage boy has been charged with her murder.

Emergency services rushed to an address at around 6.25pm on Sunday, but Luka died at the scene. A post-mortem examination has confirmed she died from multiple stab wounds.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene and Avon and Somerset Police today said he has been charged with murder. The boy, who cannot legally be named due to his age, appeared before magistrates in Bristol today (Tuesday, October 22).

Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “Our thoughts are foremost with Luka’s family at this hugely difficult time. We are providing them with support through a specialist family liaison officer and they have been updated with the charging decision, which marks significant progress in this murder investigation.

“The family have understandably asked for privacy as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened over the past 48 hours and we’d ask people to please respect their wishes.

“We know tragic incidents like this one can cause significant concerns within any community, and therefore we encourage anyone who is worried to please make themselves known to officers in the area who are carry out additional patrols. They will be able to provide assistance and reassurance to anyone who has concerns.”

A cordon remains in place at Cromwell Road while police continue their investigations at the scene.