Christina Edkins bus stabbing: Man charged with murder of 16-year-old schoolgirl
A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of Christina Edkins today after the 16-year-old was killed on a bus in Birmingham last week.
Phillip Simelane, 22, only spoke to confirm his name at a 10-minute hearing at Birmingham Crown Court this morning.
The man, who resides in Walsall, had been placed in a secure unit where his mental state was being assessed by experts.
Speaking after the teen's shocking death, parents Jason and Kathleen said: "We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful princess, Christina, and it's hard to find words to describe the pain we're all feeling.
"Our lives will never be the same again."
The GCSE student was stabbed once in the chest on the top of a crowded double decker bus on her way to school.
The suspect will next appear in court for a plea hearing on May 31.